Cautious optimism best describes the trade reaction to Nikhil Ravishankar’s appointment as Air New Zealand’s next ceo.
Ravishankar (pictured) has been with the carrier for five years, currently as chief digital officer, and will take over the top job from 20 Oct, succeeding Greg Foran. While his recent work has been focused on building digital-first customer experiences, which some chain heads say look to drive business direct, NZ points out that he has a deep understanding of the aviation sector, and the airline.
. . . New Chapter
NZ board chair Dame Therese Walsh says the appointment marks the beginning of the next chapter for the airline. “…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.”
. . . Pragmatic
Rather than fret about the potential impact of a direct and digital-focused new NZ ceo, more than one retail travel chain head believes the travel industry needs to get pro-active. “I think we, as an industry, need to ensure the incoming ceo understands the value of agents,” says one chain head. “NZ is deeply tied to the strength and reach of its travel agency distribution networks, both at home and offshore,” says another travel brand boss, who adds that the trade plays a critical role in driving revenue, promoting NZ and New Zealand ‘and supporting complex itineraries that digital platforms alone cannot service’. Another chain head points out that the trade has been working very closely and collaboratively around NZ’s ongoing network disruption issues, and they hope this will be recognised by the new NZ leader. “Everyone is aware of the operational challenges NZ has faced, and how [the trade] have leaned in to support NZ. We trust that NZ values the trade and that the NZ-trade relationship will only strengthen moving forward.”
. . . Thrilled & Humbled
Ravishankar says he’s ‘both thrilled and humbled to be given this opportunity’ to lead NZ, and that he’s ‘excited to help shape what this next stage of NZ looks like’.
