New Zealand (Commonwealth Union)_ Air New Zealand has named Indian-origin Nikhil Ravishankar as its next Chief Executive Officer, with the leadership change set to take effect on October 20. Ravishankar, who has been serving as the airline’s Chief Digital Officer, will take over from outgoing CEO Greg Foran, who announced earlier this year that he would be stepping down. Ravishankar, originally from India, has played an important role in Air New Zealand for the past five years. During his tenure as Chief Digital Officer, he oversaw numerous key initiatives aimed at updating the airline’s digital infrastructure, increasing the passenger experience, and boosting the loyalty program. His leadership has been credited with preparing the airline for a new chapter of innovation and growth.
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Board Chair Dame Therese Walsh made the announcement, describing Ravishankar’s appointment as a significant step forward for the airline. “We’re proud of our track record of bold decisions and forward-thinking leadership,” she said. “Nikhil brings a modern approach and the kind of leadership we need to guide us into the future. His understanding of technology, global perspective, and commitment to people stood out during our extensive international search.” Walsh emphasized that Ravishankar’s deep connection to the airline and to New Zealand was a driving factor in the board’s decision. “He understands the culture, the vision, and the responsibility that comes with leading an airline that means so much to so many people,” she added.
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Ravishankar expressed his gratitude for the opportunity in a statement shared on Air New Zealand’s website. “I’m honored and excited to take on this role,” he said. “Air New Zealand is more than just a company—it’s a symbol of our nation’s spirit. It’s a privilege to lead such an iconic organization, and I look forward to shaping its future alongside an incredible team.” He also spoke about the company’s broader mission. “At its heart, this airline is about people. We have a proud heritage and an ambitious future. I’m looking forward to helping us grow in a way that reflects the values of Aotearoa and continues to deliver for our customers and communities.”
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Ravishankar’s academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a Bachelor of Commerce with Honors from the University of Auckland. He also mentors future leaders through the university’s Strategic CIO program and serves on several boards, including New Zealand Asian Leaders and the Auckland Blues Foundation. He is also part of the AUTEUR Influencer Network at Auckland University of Technology. Prior to joining Air New Zealand, Ravishankar had senior positions at Vector New Zealand, where he managed digital transformation efforts, and at Accenture, where he worked in strategic technology roles throughout the Asia Pacific region. He also held top roles at Telecom New Zealand (now Spark).
Air New Zealand today operates over 400 daily flights to 49 local and international destinations. The network’s fleet includes a mix of Boeing 777s, 787 Dreamliners, Airbus A320s, and regional aircraft such as ATR and Q300. Furthermore, earlier this year, Air New Zealand and Air India announced plans to launch direct flights between the two nations by 2028, subject to regulatory approval and aircraft availability. Additionally, the two airlines have also signed an agreement to deepen their ties in aviation, which includes codeshare agreements on 16 routes in India, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand. Ravishankar’s hiring is being considered as part of a larger trend in the aviation business, as airlines are increasingly looking to digitally skillful CEOs to meet the demands of a rapidly changing industry. His rise to the helm of one of the world’s most recognizable airlines represents both his own accomplishments and a shift in the type of leadership that the business requires.
