ISSUE
Friday, July 25, 2025
Volume 16 . Issue 69
Air New Zealand has announced the appointment of Nikhil Ravishankar as its next chief executive, with the transition set to take place on October 20.
Ravishankar, who currently serves as the airline’s Chief Digital Officer, will succeed Greg Foran, who revealed in March that he would be stepping down from the role. Ravishankar has been part of the Air New Zealand team for nearly five years.
Before joining the airline, he held key leadership positions including Chief Digital Officer at Vector and Managing Director at Accenture.
Ravishankar said he felt both honoured and humbled to be given the opportunity to lead Air New Zealand. He described the airline as an institution with a strong legacy and a promising future and noted that stepping into the CEO role was a privilege and a significant responsibility towards the company’s people, customers, and the country.
He acknowledged the complexity of running an airline, emphasising that safety guides every decision. Ravishankar expressed his belief that New Zealand is one of the most innovative countries in the world and a top destination for travellers. He added that the airline was among the best globally and credited the dedication of its staff, from cabin crew and engineers to pilots and corporate teams, for its success.
Highlighting the human-centred nature of the airline, Ravishankar said that Air New Zealand is ultimately a people-driven business — purposeful, ambitious, and deeply rooted in Aotearoa New Zealand — and said he was excited to shape the company’s next chapter.
Air New Zealand Board Chair Dame Therese Walsh stated that the board conducted an extensive international search before making the appointment. She said the board was pleased with how strongly Ravishankar had emerged through the process.
Walsh noted that his leadership skills, commitment to excellence, global perspective, and digital acumen were evident throughout.
Air New Zealand has announced the appointment of Nikhil Ravishankar as its next chief executive, with the transition set to take place on October 20.
Ravishankar, who currently serves as the airline’s Chief Digital Officer, will succeed Greg Foran, who revealed in March that he would be stepping...
Air New Zealand has announced the appointment of Nikhil Ravishankar as its next chief executive, with the transition set to take place on October 20.
Ravishankar, who currently serves as the airline’s Chief Digital Officer, will succeed Greg Foran, who revealed in March that he would be stepping down from the role. Ravishankar has been part of the Air New Zealand team for nearly five years.
Before joining the airline, he held key leadership positions including Chief Digital Officer at Vector and Managing Director at Accenture.
Ravishankar said he felt both honoured and humbled to be given the opportunity to lead Air New Zealand. He described the airline as an institution with a strong legacy and a promising future and noted that stepping into the CEO role was a privilege and a significant responsibility towards the company’s people, customers, and the country.
He acknowledged the complexity of running an airline, emphasising that safety guides every decision. Ravishankar expressed his belief that New Zealand is one of the most innovative countries in the world and a top destination for travellers. He added that the airline was among the best globally and credited the dedication of its staff, from cabin crew and engineers to pilots and corporate teams, for its success.
Highlighting the human-centred nature of the airline, Ravishankar said that Air New Zealand is ultimately a people-driven business — purposeful, ambitious, and deeply rooted in Aotearoa New Zealand — and said he was excited to shape the company’s next chapter.
Air New Zealand Board Chair Dame Therese Walsh stated that the board conducted an extensive international search before making the appointment. She said the board was pleased with how strongly Ravishankar had emerged through the process.
Walsh noted that his leadership skills, commitment to excellence, global perspective, and digital acumen were evident throughout.
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