Air New Zealand Names Nikhil Ravishankar as CEO

Air New Zealand has named Nikhil Ravishankar as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective October 20, 2025. The announcement was made on July 30, 2025, and marks a leadership transition as Greg Foran prepares to step down after guiding the airline through a turbulent five-year period, including the global pandemic.

Foran, who took charge of the national carrier in February 2020 following a successful stint with Walmart in the United States, faced immediate and unprecedented challenges as COVID-19 brought the aviation industry to a near halt. Under his leadership, Air New Zealand navigated operational shutdowns, border closures, and recovery planning while maintaining its position as one of the region’s most resilient airlines.

Ravishankar, who joined the airline in September 2021 as Chief Digital Officer, has led Air New Zealand’s technology and digital transformation efforts. Prior to his role with the airline, he served as Chief Digital Officer at Vector, New Zealand’s largest energy distributor, and held leadership positions at Accenture, where he specialized in strategy and innovation.

The appointment signals a shift in focus toward modernization and sustainability. In a statement, Chair of the Board Dame Therese Walsh emphasized that Ravishankar’s leadership reflects the airline’s momentum and a generational shift toward future-focused priorities. His background in technology and digital innovation aligns with the airline’s ambitions to become a leader in sustainable aviation and customer experience.

As CEO, Ravishankar will oversee major projects, including the full retrofit of the airline’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet and the integration of new aircraft to support capacity and operational efficiency. He will also be responsible for advancing Air New Zealand’s bold sustainability strategy, which includes the introduction of hybrid-electric aircraft and the development of low-emission solutions in domestic aviation.

Ravishankar’s elevation to the top executive role comes at a critical time for the carrier, as it looks to scale its recovery efforts and invest in long-term growth. With a renewed focus on innovation, sustainability, and customer-centric technology, Air New Zealand is positioning itself for a transformative era under new leadership.

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