Nikhil Ravishankar Takes the Helm as Air New Zealand’s New CEO
Air New Zealand has officially announced the appointment of Nikhil Ravishankar as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) on July 30, 2025.
Ravishankar will take over from Greg Foran on October 20, 2025, concluding Foran’s five-year leadership of the airline.
H2: Greg Foran’s Legacy
Foran, a proud Kiwi, assumed the role of CEO for his homeland’s airline in February 2020, just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. His extensive background, including a successful stint at Walmart, positioned him to guide the airline through one of its toughest chapters.
H2: Nikhil Ravishankar’s Background
Ravishankar joined Air New Zealand in September 2021, initially focusing on the airline’s technology functions. Before this role, he was the Chief Digital Officer at Vector, the largest energy provider in New Zealand, and held various senior positions at Accenture, a global consulting powerhouse.
H2: Vision for the Future
In the press release announcing his elevation, Dame Therese Walsh, Chair of the board at Air New Zealand, remarked that this leadership transition signifies the start of a new era for the airline, emphasizing the ongoing momentum and ushering in a fresh wave of leadership.
In his new role, Ravishankar will oversee several initiatives poised to redefine Air New Zealand’s future. Significant projects include the retrofitting of the entire B787 Dreamliner fleet and the introduction of new aircraft of this type. Additionally, he will lead the launch of an ambitious sustainable flight program, which entails testing hybrid-electric aircraft within New Zealand.
How do you think this new leadership will affect the future of Air New Zealand?
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