Chief Digital Officer succeeds Greg Foran as airline prepares for a new phase of leadership
Air New Zealand has appointed Nikhil Ravishankar as its next Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Greg Foran, who is stepping down after almost six years at the helm of the airline.
Ravishankar, who was serving as Air New Zealand’s Chief Digital Officer, was scheduled to take over as CEO on October 20, 2025. The appointment followed an international search conducted by the airline’s board.
The leadership transition comes as Air New Zealand continues to navigate changes across the aviation sector, including evolving customer expectations, technology, cost pressures and the industry’s longer-term sustainability challenges.
Digital leadership moves to the top role
Ravishankar had spent almost five years with Air New Zealand before his appointment as CEO, giving him experience across the airline’s operations and strategic priorities.
As Chief Digital Officer, he was involved in the development of the airline’s technology infrastructure, loyalty programme and customer proposition.
Before joining Air New Zealand, Ravishankar served as Chief Digital Officer at Vector and previously held the position of Managing Director at Accenture.
Air New Zealand Chair Dame Therese Walsh said the appointment followed an extensive international search and reflected the board’s view that Ravishankar could build on the airline’s existing foundations while bringing a contemporary leadership approach.
“Across Air New Zealand, we are very clear on what matters most – connecting our communities and country to each other and the world, delivering value and excellence, and running a world-class airline that all Kiwi are proud of,” Walsh said.
Focus on the airline’s next phase
Walsh said the aviation sector would continue to face significant challenges, including climate change, changing customer expectations, technological developments, cost pressures and geopolitical conditions.
She said Ravishankar’s experience across aviation, technology and critical infrastructure would support Air New Zealand as it moves into its next phase.
The board chair also highlighted his global outlook, digital expertise and knowledge of the airline and New Zealand.
The appointment represents a transition from Foran’s nearly six-year tenure to a new leadership phase under an executive who has already worked within the airline.
Ravishankar takes on CEO role
Ravishankar described the appointment as both a significant responsibility and an opportunity to shape Air New Zealand’s future.
“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 said.
He also emphasised the importance of safety and the role of Air New Zealand’s workforce, including pilots, cabin crew, engineers, ground teams and corporate and digital employees.
“Airlines are complex, and safety underpins every decision we make,” Ravishankar said.
Leadership change follows challenging aviation period
Foran became Air New Zealand CEO in February 2020, shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented disruption to international aviation.
His tenure subsequently included the collapse and gradual reopening of international travel, changes in passenger demand and capacity, supply-chain pressures and the rebuilding of the airline’s international network.
Ravishankar will therefore take over at a time when Air New Zealand is balancing the recovery of international travel with longer-term changes affecting the airline industry.
His background in digital transformation also comes as airlines increasingly use technology across areas including customer service, loyalty, operations and commercial activities.
Air New Zealand continues international network development
Air New Zealand remains focused on connecting New Zealand with international markets across the Pacific, Asia and North America.
The airline’s current booking network includes international destinations such as Tokyo, Singapore, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver and other major markets, alongside its extensive domestic network. (airnewzealand.co.nz)
The carrier also continues to market connections from New Zealand to destinations in Asia, Europe and North America through its network and airline partnerships.
For the travel industry, the change in leadership is significant because Air New Zealand plays a central role in New Zealand’s international visitor connectivity and in connecting New Zealand travellers with overseas destinations.
