Air New Zealand has today announced the appointment of Nikhil Ravishankar as its next Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Greg Foran who steps down in October.

Currently the airline’s Chief Digital Officer, Ravishankar will officially take over as CEO on 20 October 2025. In the five years 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.

Air New Zealand Board Chair, Dame Therese Walsh, says the appointment marks the beginning of the next chapter for the airline, reflecting the strong momentum underway and a new generation of leadership for the future.

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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,” says Ravishankar. “This airline is an institution with a deep legacy but also a fantastic future. It’s a privilege to step into the CEO role and take on that responsibility for our people, our customers, and our country.

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