Air New Zealand has promoted Nikhil Ravishankar as the national carrier’s new Chief Executive Officer, taking over the top role from 20 October 2025.
Currently serving as Air New Zealand’s Chief Digital Officer, Ravishankar succeeds Greg Foran, who announced his resignation earlier this year after steering the airline for six years as CEO, including during the pandemic.
From his almost five-year tenure with the carrier, Ravishankar deeply understands the aviation sector and the airline and led major advances in the airline’s technology foundation, loyalty program and customer proposition.
Before joining Air NZ, Ravishankar was Chief Digital Officer at Vector and Managing Director of Accenture.
Air New Zealand Board Chair Dame Therese Walsh said 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.
“Nikhil brings the mindset and contemporary leadership we need to build on our strong foundations and focus on the future,” she said.
“His ambition for the airline’s future and his people leadership skills, coupled with his pursuit of excellence, digital literacy, global outlook and relationships, and his deep care for the airline and New Zealand shone through.
“Airlines will continue to face immense challenges, whether that’s climate change, customer expectations, technology, cost pressures or geopolitics.
“Nikhil brings a fresh perspective that is grounded in New Zealand values and a deep knowledge of the airline and critical infrastructure across different sectors. He’s not afraid to challenge how things are done and ask questions,” she said.
Ravishankar said: “I’m both thrilled and humbled to be given this opportunity to lead Air New Zealand. 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.
“At the end of the day, we are a people business – purposeful, ambitious and deeply rooted in Aotearoa New Zealand – and I’m excited to help shape what this next stage of Air New Zealand looks like,” he said.
Find out more at airnewzealand.com
