Air New Zealand has announced the appointment of Nikhil Ravishankar as its next chief executive, succeeding Greg Foran, who will step down from the role on October 20 after five years at the helm.
Ravishankar, currently the airline’s Chief Digital Officer, has been with Air New Zealand since 2019. He previously held senior leadership roles at Vector and Accenture and becomes the second technology leader to take the top job at the airline, following Rob Fyfe’s appointment in 2005.
In a statement, Ravishankar said he was “thrilled and humbled” by the opportunity to lead one of the country’s most iconic companies.
“This airline is an institution with a deep legacy but also a fantastic future,” he said. “It’s a privilege to step into the CEO role and take on that responsibility for our people, our customers and our country.”
Ravishankar acknowledged the complexity of the aviation sector and highlighted Air New Zealand’s people and purpose as key strengths.
“Airlines are complex, and safety underpins every decision we make. At the end of the day, we are a people business – purposeful, ambitious, and deeply rooted in Aotearoa New Zealand. I’m excited to help shape what this next stage of Air New Zealand looks like.”
Air New Zealand chair Dame Therese Walsh said the board had conducted a global search and was delighted to appoint Ravishankar following a rigorous process.
“His ambition for the airline’s future and his people leadership skills, coupled with his pursuit of excellence, digital literacy, global outlook and relationships, and his deep care for the airline and New Zealand shone through,” said Walsh.
She noted that the airline continues to face significant global challenges, including rising customer expectations, cost pressures, and climate change.
“Airlines will continue to face immense challenges, and Nikhil brings a fresh perspective grounded in New Zealand values and a deep understanding of critical infrastructure across sectors. He’s not afraid to challenge the status quo and ask the right questions.”
Outgoing CEO Greg Foran, who joined Air New Zealand in early 2020 after a high-profile career with Walmart in the United States and Asia, announced his resignation in March. His tenure included leading the airline through the severe disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic and navigating ongoing global supply chain and engine challenges.
“Leading Air New Zealand has been one of the greatest privileges of my career,” said Foran. “I’m incredibly proud of how far we’ve come, and I leave knowing the airline is in great hands.”
Walsh praised Foran’s steady leadership, especially through the pandemic and the operational issues currently affecting both the airline’s Boeing and Airbus fleets.
“Greg’s relentless focus and global profile have been instrumental in mitigating the impact of these challenges on our customers,” she said.
Ravishankar will officially take over as CEO from October 20.
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