Nikhil Ravishankar, an Indian-origin executive, has been named the next Chief Executive Officer of Air New Zealand. He will assume the role on October 20, 2025, succeeding Greg Foran, who announced his departure earlier in the year. Ravishankar's appointment marks a significant step for Air New Zealand as it navigates challenges such as climate change, rising costs, and evolving customer expectations.
Ravishankar is currently the airline's Chief Digital Officer, a position he has held since September 2021. During his time in this role, he has spearheaded major advancements in the airline's technology infrastructure, customer experience, and loyalty programs.
Born in India and raised in New Zealand, Ravishankar holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) from the University of Auckland. He is also an advisor and mentor for the university's Strategic CIO program. Additionally, he is a member of the Auckland University of Technology (AUT) AUTEUR Influencer Network, serves on the board of New Zealand Asian Leaders, and is an advisory committee member of The Auckland Blues Foundation.
Before joining Air New Zealand, Ravishankar was the Chief Digital Officer at Vector New Zealand, where he led the company's digital and information technology functions and its transformation program beginning in 2017. Prior to that, he was a Managing Director at Accenture in Hong Kong, Australia, and New Zealand, and held technology strategy and transformation leadership roles at Telecom New Zealand (Spark).
Air New Zealand Board Chair Dame Therese Walsh described Ravishankar's appointment as the beginning of the next chapter for the airline, reflecting strong momentum and a new generation of leadership. She noted that Ravishankar brings a fresh perspective grounded in New Zealand values and a deep understanding of the airline and critical infrastructure across different sectors. Walsh also highlighted his ambition, leadership skills, digital literacy, global outlook, and deep care for the airline and New Zealand as key strengths.
Ravishankar expressed his excitement and humility in taking on the CEO role. He acknowledged Air New Zealand's deep legacy and bright future, emphasizing the importance of the airline's people, customers, and country. He also recognized the complexities of the airline industry and the paramount importance of safety in every decision.
Ravishankar's appointment comes at a time when Air New Zealand is facing increasing competition from Qantas and North American carriers. He will be tasked with building on the airline's strong foundations and focusing on the future, navigating challenges such as climate change, customer expectations, technology, cost pressures, and geopolitics.
Air New Zealand operates more than 400 flights daily to 49 domestic and international destinations. The airline has a fleet of over 100 aircraft, including Boeing 777s, 787s, Airbus 320s, ATRs, and Q300s. In March 2025, Air New Zealand and Air India announced plans to explore the introduction of a direct service between the two countries by the end of 2028, pending aircraft deliveries and regulatory approvals. The two airlines also signed a Memorandum of Understanding to boost air connectivity between India and New Zealand, including a codeshare partnership on 16 routes.
