Air New Zealand appoints Indian-origin Nikhil Ravishankar as CEO

Currently, the airline's Chief Digital Officer, Ravishankar, will officially take over as CEO on October 20, 2025. In the nearly five years that Ravishankar has been at Air New Zealand, he has gained a deep understanding of the aviation sector and the airline. He has also led major advances in the airline's technology backbone, loyalty programme, and customer proposition. 

Air New Zealand Board Chair, Dame Therese Walsh, says 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. 

“Across Air New Zealand, we are very clear on what matters most - connecting our communities and country and the world, delivering value and excellence, and running a world-class airline that all Kiwis are proud of.”

“We have always been bold and not afraid to adapt and lead. Nikhil brings the mindset and contemporary leadership we need to build on our strong foundations and focus on the future. The Board undertook an extensive international search and were delighted to see Nikhil come through the process so strongly. 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,” says Dame Therese Walsh.

“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," says Dame Therese Walsh. 

Before Air New Zealand, Ravishankar was Chief Digital Officer at Vector and Managing Director of Accenture. “I'm both thrilled and humbled to be given this opportunity to lead Air New Zealand,” says Ravishankar. 

“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. 

“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," says Ravishankar.