Air Canada has named Anko Van der Werff as its next chief executive officer, the airline announced Wednesday. Van der Werff, who currently serves as CEO of Avianca, will succeed Michael Rousseau, who has led the carrier since 2021.
Leadership transition details
The appointment is effective immediately, with Van der Werff expected to assume his new role in the coming weeks. Rousseau will remain with the company in an advisory capacity through the end of the year to ensure a smooth transition, Air Canada said in a statement.
Van der Werff brings extensive experience in the airline industry, having led Avianca through a restructuring process and previously serving as chief commercial officer at Air Canada from 2015 to 2019. He also held executive positions at Swiss International Air Lines and Lufthansa.
Strategic implications
Air Canada's board of directors said Van der Werff's deep understanding of the airline's operations and his global perspective made him the ideal candidate to lead the company through its next phase of growth. "Anko's proven track record in transforming airlines and his familiarity with Air Canada will be invaluable as we continue to expand our network and enhance customer experience," said board chair Vagn Sørensen.
The leadership change comes as Air Canada faces challenges including rising fuel costs, labor negotiations, and increased competition from low-cost carriers. The airline reported a net income of $1.2 billion in the most recent fiscal year, up from $800 million the previous year, driven by strong demand for international travel.
Analysts have welcomed the appointment, noting Van der Werff's experience in cost management and route optimization. "Anko is a seasoned executive who knows the Canadian market well," said aviation consultant John Gradek. "His return to Air Canada signals a focus on operational efficiency and growth."
Van der Werff said he was honored to return to the airline and looked forward to working with employees to build on Air Canada's momentum. "I am excited to lead this great company and its talented team," he said in a statement. "Together, we will continue to connect Canadians and the world safely and sustainably."
Background on Van der Werff
Van der Werff, a Dutch national, began his aviation career at KLM and later held senior roles at Lufthansa and Swiss. He joined Air Canada in 2015 as chief commercial officer, overseeing revenue management, sales, and network planning. He left in 2019 to become CEO of Avianca, where he led the Colombian airline through Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization and returned it to profitability.
Air Canada shares rose 2.3% on the Toronto Stock Exchange following the announcement, reflecting investor confidence in the leadership change.
