Air New Zealand Names Indian-Born Nikhil Ravishankar as Next CEO

Air New Zealand has announced the appointment of Nikhil Ravishankar as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Ravishankar is set to succeed Greg Foran, who will step down in October after nearly six years navigating the airline through unprecedented times, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the turbulent aviation recovery that followed.

Currently serving as Chief Digital Officer (CDO), Ravishankar will officially assume the CEO role on October 20, 2025. His nearly five-year tenure with the airline has been marked by leading major digital transformations, positioning Air New Zealand as one of the more technologically advanced airlines globally.

Dame Therese Walsh, Chair of the Air New Zealand Board, hailed the appointment as a “new chapter” and a strong signal of the airline’s forward-looking ambitions. “Nikhil brings the mindset and contemporary leadership we need to build on our strong foundations and focus on the future,” Walsh said.

She noted the extensive international search undertaken by the Board and how Ravishankar’s “vision, digital literacy, global outlook, and deep care for the airline and New Zealand shone through.”

Digital Innovator Nikhil Ravishankar

The airline sector has faced monumental challenges over the past half-decade, including the global pandemic shuttering international borders, fluctuating fuel prices, and increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions.

Nikhil Ravishankar’s background in technology and innovation is seen as crucial for the airline’s next chapter.

Before joining Air New Zealand, where he led digital strategy and customer experience enhancements, Ravishankar held senior roles including Chief Digital Officer at energy company Vector and Managing Director at global consulting firm Accenture.

“I’m both thrilled and humbled to be given this opportunity to lead Air New Zealand,” Ravishankar said. “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.

A Digital-First Future For Air New Zealand

Born in India and raised in New Zealand, he holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) from the University of Auckland.

During his tenure as CDO, Ravishankar oversaw upgrades to Air New Zealand’s technology backbone, led enhancements to its frequent flyer programme, and championed new ways to enrich customer interactions—from booking to baggage claim.

These initiatives helped improve operational efficiencies and customer satisfaction, crucial as the airline bounced back from the travel downturn.

Ravishankar’s appointment aligns with this global trend towards tech-enabled, environmentally responsible air travel. Air New Zealand has pledged to operate a fully net-zero carbon airline by 2050, investing in sustainable aviation fuels and modernising its fleet.

Ravishankar’s leadership will be critical in navigating these industry shifts, balancing economic viability with environmental and social responsibilities. “Airlines are complex, and safety underpins every decision we make,” remarked Ravishankar.

Board Chair Dame Therese Walsh highlighted the importance of “a fresh perspective grounded in New Zealand values,” recognising that challenges such as climate change, cost pressures, and evolving customer needs require adaptive and visionary leadership.

For Ravishankar, the task ahead is to honour the airline’s legacy while accelerating change: “I’m excited to help shape what this next stage of Air New Zealand looks like,” added Ravishankar.