Air Canada announced on July 8, 2026, that Anko Van der Werff will become its next President and Chief Executive Officer, and a member of the Board, by the end of January 2027. Van der Werff, currently President and CEO of Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), succeeds Michael Rousseau, who previously announced his retirement after 19 years with the airline.
Global Search Yields Experienced Leader
The selection followed a comprehensive global search for the best person to lead Air Canada into the future. The search considered several performance criteria, including the ability to communicate in French. Van der Werff brings more than 25 years of international airline leadership experience, having held senior roles across Europe, Latin America and the Middle East.
“Our Board of Directors was impressed by the quality of experienced executives from around the world who expressed interest in the role,” said Vagn Sørensen, Chair of the Board. “We are delighted to have attracted and recruited an executive of Mr. Van der Werff’s stature to lead Air Canada. He has an exceptional breadth of international aviation experience and a proven 25-year track record, including his most recent forward-looking executive leadership at Scandinavian Airlines, Avianca Group, and Aeroméxico and earlier at KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (now Air France-KLM) and Qatar Airways. We are confident he will drive further value-creating growth and transformation while maintaining our commitment to disciplined capital allocation.”
Van der Werff’s Vision for Air Canada
“Air Canada is a globally recognized airline leader. It is an honour to be chosen to lead this iconic Canadian company as it advances its ambitions and strategy, builds on its award-winning employee culture and customer value proposition, and prepares for an even brighter future,” said Anko Van der Werff. “I look forward to working closely with Air Canada’s talented executive team and with all employees to fulfil our commitments to shareholders and customers. I am excited about relocating to Montréal and eager to get started.”
Van der Werff previously led SAS through a significant period of transformation and strategic renewal. His experience also includes executive roles at Avianca Group, Aeroméxico, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Qatar Airways.
Transition Timeline and Board Gratitude
Mr. Rousseau’s retirement is effective August 31, 2026. He will continue to be available as needed throughout the transition. Following his departure and for the duration of the transition period, the Executive Committee will report to the Board of Directors.
Mr. Sørensen concluded: “The Board is grateful to Michael Rousseau for his outstanding leadership and extraordinary contributions, which are in large part responsible for the enviable position Air Canada enjoys among global carriers. We thank him for that legacy and for his support with the transition.”
Rousseau spent 19 years at Air Canada, including serving as President and CEO since 2021.
