Air New Zealand Appoints New CEO

air New Zealand Appoints Nikhil Ravishankar as Next Chief Executive

Auckland, NZ – Air New Zealand has announced Nikhil Ravishankar, the airline’s current Chief Digital Officer, as its next Chief executive Officer. This meaningful appointment follows the earlier confirmation in March that Greg Foran would be stepping down after five years at the helm, with his tenure concluding in October.

Ravishankar’s transition into the top leadership role marks the beginning of a new era for the national carrier. Air New Zealand highlighted Ravishankar’s deep understanding of the aviation sector and the airline itself, gained over nearly five years with the company. His leadership has been instrumental in driving advancements in the airline’s technology infrastructure, its loyalty program, and its overall customer proposition.

Dame Therese Walsh,Chairperson of Air New Zealand,expressed confidence in Ravishankar’s appointment,stating it signifies a “new generation of leadership for the future.” She emphasized the company’s core mission: connecting communities and the nation to each other and the world, delivering excellence, and operating a world-class airline that garners pride among New Zealanders. “Nikhil brings the mindset and contemporary leadership we need to build on our strong foundations and focus on the future,” Walsh added.

Ravishankar’s career prior to Air New Zealand includes impactful roles as Chief Digital Officer at Vector and Managing Director at accenture, showcasing a strong background in digital change and leadership.

“I’m both thrilled and humbled to be given this opportunity to lead Air New Zealand,” Ravishankar commented. “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 obligation for our peopel, our customers, and our country.”

Ravishankar is set to officially assume his duties as Chief Executive on October 20, 2025.

Evergreen Insight: The selection of an internal leader with a strong digital and technological background signals a strategic focus on innovation and customer experience, critical elements for success in the increasingly competitive and technologically driven aviation industry. This trend underscores the importance of investing in digital transformation and cultivating talent from within to navigate future industry shifts and maintain a competitive edge.

How might Greg Foran’s retail background at Walmart influence Air New Zealand’s customer experience strategies?

Air New Zealand Appoints New CEO: A Timeline of Leadership & Future Outlook

The Current Leadership Landscape at Air New Zealand

As of July 30, 2025, Air New Zealand is currently led by Greg Foran, who assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer on February 3, 2020. His tenure has been notably defined by navigating the airline through unprecedented challenges, primarily the global COVID-19 pandemic and its subsequent impact on international travel and the aviation industry. This period demanded strong leadership focused on financial stability, operational resilience, and adapting to rapidly changing travel restrictions.

Greg Foran’s Background & Key Initiatives

Greg Foran brings a wealth of experience to Air New Zealand. Prior to leading the airline, he held prominent positions at Walmart, including Executive Vice President of Food, Beverage and Consumables. This retail background has demonstrably influenced his approach to customer experience and operational efficiency at Air New Zealand.

Key initiatives under Foran’s leadership have included:

Restructuring & Cost Management: implementing important cost-cutting measures and restructuring programs to ensure the airline’s financial viability during the pandemic. This involved streamlining operations and renegotiating contracts with suppliers.

Fleet Modernization: Continuing investment in a modern and fuel-efficient fleet,including the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A320neo family,to reduce carbon emissions and improve operational performance.

Sustainability Focus: Strengthening Air New Zealand’s commitment to sustainability, with enterprising goals for reducing its carbon footprint and exploring enduring aviation fuels (SAF).

Enhanced Customer Experience: Focusing on improving the overall customer journey, from booking to in-flight service, with investments in technology and personalized offerings.

Digital Transformation: Accelerating the airline’s digital transformation to enhance online booking, check-in, and in-flight entertainment options.

Navigating the Pandemic: A Case Study in Crisis Management

The COVID-19 pandemic presented an unparalleled crisis for Air New Zealand, heavily reliant on international travel. Foran’s leadership during this period was critical. Key actions included:

1. Rapid Response to Travel Restrictions: Quickly adapting flight schedules and routes in response to constantly changing border closures and travel restrictions.
2. Government Support & Funding: Securing financial support from the New Zealand government, including loans and equity injections, to maintain liquidity.
3. Focus on Domestic Travel: Shifting focus to domestic routes and offering incentives to encourage local tourism.
4. Cargo Operations: Expanding cargo operations to generate revenue and maintain essential supply chains.
5. Employee Support: Implementing measures to support employees, including wage subsidies and voluntary leave schemes, to minimize job losses.

The Impact of Leadership on Air New Zealand’s Performance

Greg Foran’s leadership has been instrumental in positioning Air New Zealand for recovery as international travel rebounds. While the pandemic significantly impacted financial results, the airline has demonstrated resilience and a commitment to long-term sustainability.

Financial Recovery: Air New zealand has reported improving financial performance in recent quarters,driven by increased passenger demand and cost-cutting measures.

Brand Reputation: The airline has maintained a strong brand reputation for safety, reliability, and customer service.

Market Position: Air New Zealand remains a dominant player in the New Zealand and South Pacific aviation markets.

Sustainability Leadership: The airline is recognized as a leader in sustainability within the aviation industry.

Looking ahead: Future Challenges & Opportunities for the CEO

The next phase for Air New Zealand, and its CEO, will involve navigating a complex landscape of evolving travel patterns, economic uncertainties, and increasing environmental concerns. Key challenges and opportunities include:

Rising Fuel Costs: Managing the impact of fluctuating fuel prices on profitability.

competition: Facing increased competition from other airlines, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.

Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF): Scaling up the use of SAF to reduce carbon emissions.

Technological Innovation: Leveraging new technologies to improve operational efficiency and enhance the customer experience.

Global Economic Conditions: Adapting to changing global economic conditions and their impact on travel demand.

Air New Zealand CEO: A Timeline of Past Leaders

While Greg Foran is the current CEO, Air New Zealand has a rich history of leadership. Understanding past CEOs provides context to the current direction:

Rob Fyfe (2005-2012): Known for transforming Air New Zealand into a more customer-focused and innovative airline.

Christopher Luxon (2012-2019): Focused on profitability and expanding the airline’s international network.

* Greg Foran (2020-Present): Leading the airline through the COVID-19 pandemic and focusing on sustainability and digital transformation.

This ancient perspective highlights the evolving challenges and opportunities faced by Air New Zealand’s leadership over time.