Air New Zealand announced the appointment of Nikhil Ravishankar as its next CEO, succeeding Greg Foran, who steps down in October after almost six years leading the airline through what the announcement called “one of the most challenging periods in aviation history.”

Currently the airline’s chief digital officer, Ravishankar will officially take over as CEO on Oct. 20. In the nearly five years that he has been at the airline, said the announcement, he has led major advances in the airline’s technology backbone, loyalty program and customer proposition.

Therese Walsh, board chair, said the appointment “marks the beginning of the next chapter for the airline, reflecting the strong momentum underway and a new generation of leadership for the future.” She said that “across Air New Zealand we are very clear on what matters most — connecting our communities and country to each other and the world, delivering value and excellence, and running a world-class airline that all Kiwi are proud of.”

Walsh said the board undertook an extensive international search and was “delighted to see Nikhil come through the process so strongly.” She said, “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.”

Ravishankar said, “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.”

Prior to Air New Zealand, Ravishankar was chief digital officer at Vector and managing director of Accenture.