Nikhil Ravishankar has been announced as Air New Zealand’s next chief executive officer.
In March, the company announced Greg Foran would step down after five years in the top job. He is due to leave the airline in October.
Today Air New Zealand announced the appointment of Nikhil Ravishankar, the airline’s current chief digital officer, as Foran’s successor.
“In the nearly five years that Nikhil has been at Air New Zealand he has gained a deep understanding of the aviation sector, and the airline. He has also led major advances in the airline’s technology backbone, loyalty programme and customer proposition,” the airline said in a statement.
Air New Zealand Board chairperson Dame Therese Walsh said the appointment marked the beginning of the next chapter for the airline, “reflecting the strong momentum underway and a new generation of leadership for the future”.
The morning’s headlines in 90 seconds, including UK set to recognise Palestine, fire closes another Auckland supermarket, and Australia’s plan to clamp down on YouTube access. (Source: 1News)
“Across Air New Zealand we are very clear on what matters most – connecting our communities and country to each other and the world, delivering value and excellence, and running a world-class airline that all Kiwi are proud of.”
“Nikhil brings the mindset and contemporary leadership we need to build on our strong foundations and focus on the future.”
Prior to Air New Zealand, Nikhil was chief digital officer at Vector and managing director of Accenture.
“I’m both thrilled and humbled to be given this opportunity to lead Air New Zealand,” he said.
“This airline is an institution with a deep legacy but also a fantastic future. It’s a privilege to step into the chief executive role and take on that responsibility for our people, our customers, and our country.
Ravishankar will officially take over as chief executive on October 20, 2025.