Auckland: In a historic milestone for both India and New Zealand, Nikhil Ravishankar, a renowned technology and digital transformation leader of Indian origin, has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Air New Zealand. This marks the first time an Indian has ever led the country’s national airline.
Ravishankar officially took charge today and will oversee a global team of 11,600 employees. His appointment is seen as a reflection of Air New Zealand’s growing commitment to digital innovation and inclusive leadership.
Before his promotion, Ravishankar served as Air New Zealand’s Chief Digital Officer, where he played a transformative role in reshaping the airline’s technological ecosystem. He led the Covid Restart Programme, modernised the carrier’s IT infrastructure, enhanced customer engagement through digital platforms, and revamped the airline’s loyalty programme. His leadership helped Air New Zealand navigate one of the most challenging phases in aviation history.
He succeeds Greg Foran, who guided the airline through its post-pandemic recovery phase.
An alumnus of the University of Auckland, Ravishankar holds degrees in Computer Science and Commerce (Honours). He joined Air New Zealand in 2021 after holding senior leadership roles at Vector Limited and Spark New Zealand. Earlier, he worked with Accenture for six years as Managing Director across Hong Kong, Australia, and New Zealand, driving digital and IT transformation initiatives.
Beyond his corporate responsibilities, Ravishankar serves on several influential boards, including the University of Auckland’s Centre for Digital Enterprise (CODE), New Zealand Asian Leaders, Foundation Ventures, and The Auckland Blues Foundation. He also contributes to the AUT Outreach Influencer Network, promoting diversity and inclusive innovation in the tech sector.
Ravishankar’s elevation to CEO represents not only a professional milestone but also a broader step toward global inclusivity in corporate leadership.
