Nikhil Ravishankar appointed next CEO of Air New Zealand

Wellington: Air New Zealand has named Nikhil Ravishankar as its next Chief Executive Officer, set to take over on October 20, 2025. He will succeed Greg Foran, who is stepping down after nearly six years at the helm.

Ravishankar, currently the airline’s Chief Digital Officer, has been with Air New Zealand for almost five years. During his tenure, he has played a pivotal role in enhancing the airline’s digital infrastructure, customer offerings, and loyalty program.

Dame Therese Walsh, Chair of Air New Zealand’s Board, said the appointment followed an extensive global search. “Nikhil brings a forward-looking leadership style that aligns with the airline’s strategic vision. His drive for innovation, strong people leadership, and deep understanding of both the airline and New Zealand’s values made him stand out,” she noted. “As the aviation industry navigates complex issues such as climate change, shifting customer expectations, and global uncertainties, Nikhil’s modern outlook and experience across key sectors will be instrumental.”

Before joining Air New Zealand, Ravishankar held leadership roles as Chief Digital Officer at Vector and Managing Director at Accenture.

Speaking on his new role, Ravishankar said, “It’s an honour to lead an airline with such a rich legacy and exciting future. Air New Zealand is a world-class carrier driven by purpose and powered by people. I’m proud to work alongside some of the most dedicated professionals in the country, from frontline teams to digital innovators behind the scenes. This is more than a business—it’s a reflection of Aotearoa New Zealand, and I’m eager to help shape its next chapter.”

Ravishankar’s appointment marks a new phase for Air New Zealand as it prepares to navigate ongoing industry challenges while building on its strong foundation.