Nikhil Ravishankar will take on the top job at Air New Zealand on October 20, after joining the business in 2021.
Prior to Air New Zealand, Ravishankar was managing director of Accenture, headed up technology strategy for telecommunications company Spark New Zealand and was chief digital officer for Vector, New Zealand’s largest electricity and gas distributor.
“Nikhil brings the mindset and contemporary leadership we need to build on our strong foundations and focus on the future,” said the airline’s board chair, Dame Therese Walsh.
“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.
“Airlines will continue to face immense challenges, whether that’s climate change, customer expectations, technology, cost pressures or geopolitics,” said Walsh.
“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.”
Ravishankar said he was “thrilled and humbled” to be chosen to lead the airline.
“This airline is an institution with a deep legacy but also a fantastic future,” said Ravishankar.
“It’s a privilege to step into the CEO role and take on that responsibility for our people, our customers and our country.
“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.
“Our airline is amongst the very best and I get to work with some of the most dedicated people in the country, from our cabin crew, engineers and pilots to our ground teams [and] corporate and digital teams behind the scenes.
“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.
