After Leading Avianca and SAS, Anko van der Werff to Take Helm at Air Canada
Air Canada has officially announced the appointment of Anko van der Werff as its next President and CEO, a role he will assume at the end of January 2027. This strategic move marks the beginning of a new era of global leadership for Canada’s flagship carrier, following a rigorous international selection process.
A Global Profile to Lead the Airline’s Future
Van der Werff’s appointment is the result of an exhaustive global search that evaluated various technical performance and leadership criteria, including the ability to communicate fluently in French.
The executive brings a distinguished 25-year career in international aviation, having held executive leadership roles at top-tier airlines across multiple continents, including:
- Scandinavian Airlines (his current position as President and CEO)
- Avianca Group
- Aeromexico
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
- Qatar Airways
In addition to his operational expertise, Van der Werff holds a solid academic background. He earned a law degree from Leiden University and completed executive education programs at Harvard Business School. His multicultural profile is further enhanced by his multilingual skills; a Dutch native, he speaks Dutch, English, and French, and has acquired proficiency in Spanish, Italian, and Swedish throughout his career.
→ Air Canada Opens Its First VIP Lounge at Quebec City Airport
Leadership Transition and Corporate Governance
Van der Werff will succeed Michael Rousseau, who announced his retirement following a distinguished 19-year tenure at the Canadian carrier. To ensure a seamless transition, the following timeline and guidelines have been established:
- Rousseau’s Retirement: Effective August 31, 2026.
- Transition Period: Rousseau will remain available as needed to support the handover of responsibilities.
- Interim Corporate Governance: Following Rousseau’s departure and until the formal onboarding of the new CEO in January 2027, the executive committee will report directly to the Board of Directors.
- Board of Directors: Upon assuming his role, Van der Werff will also join the company’s Board of Directors.
“The Board of Directors was impressed by the caliber of experienced executives from around the world who expressed interest in the position,” said Vagn Sorensen, Chairman of the Board of Directors, highlighting the new executive’s global track record.
Commitment to Strategic Growth
For his part, Van der Werff expressed that it is a great honor to have been chosen to lead the Canadian carrier as it advances its strategy and prepares for future challenges. The incoming executive stated that he looks forward to working closely with the airline’s executive team and employees to deliver on commitments made to both shareholders and customers.
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Un apasionado por la aviación, Fundador y CEO de Aviación al Día.