Air New Zealand appoints Nikhil Ravishankar as New CEO

Air New Zealand has announced the appointment of Nikhil Ravishankar as its next Chief Executive Officer, effective 20 October 2025

Nikhil will succeed Greg Foran, who will step down after nearly six years in the role.

Nikhil, currently serving as the airline’s Chief Digital Officer, has been with Air New Zealand for almost five years. During this time, he has led advancements in the airline’s digital infrastructure, loyalty programmes, and customer service initiatives. His previous roles include Chief Digital Officer at Vector and Managing Director at Accenture.

The appointment follows an extensive international search conducted by the Company Board.

In a statement, 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.

He continued, “Airlines are complex, and safety underpins every decision we make. I truly believe that New Zealand is one of the most innovative nations in the world and one of the greatest destinations to visit. 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.