Air Canada has announced the appointment of Anko Van der Werff as its new President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective by the end of January 2027. Van der Werff, currently serving as the CEO of Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), will succeed Michael Rousseau, who has announced his retirement after 19 years with Air Canada.
The decision to appoint Van der Werff follows a comprehensive global search conducted by Air Canada's Board of Directors. Vagn Sørensen, Chair of the Board, expressed confidence in Van der Werff's leadership, highlighting his "exceptional breadth of international aviation experience" and a proven 25-year track record. Van der Werff's previous roles include CEO positions at Avianca Group and Aeroméxico, as well as senior leadership roles at KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Qatar Airways.
A notable aspect of Van der Werff's appointment is his proficiency in French, a language critical for effective communication within Canada's bilingual environment. As a native of the Netherlands, Van der Werff speaks Dutch and is also able to communicate in French and English. He has also learned Spanish, Italian, and Swedish during his international career.
This language capability addresses a significant concern raised during Rousseau's tenure. Rousseau faced criticism for his inability to communicate in French, which became particularly evident during a condolence video where he communicated solely in English. This incident highlighted the importance of bilingualism in Air Canada's leadership, given the company's operations in both English and French-speaking regions.
Van der Werff's appointment is expected to bring a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to Air Canada. His leadership at SAS, Avianca Group, and Aeroméxico has been marked by strategic transformations and growth initiatives. Air Canada anticipates that his international experience and multilingual abilities will contribute to the airline's continued success and expansion in the global aviation market.
The transition plan includes Rousseau's retirement effective August 31, 2026, with Van der Werff set to assume the role by the end of January 2027. During this period, Rousseau will remain available to ensure a smooth transition. The executive committee will report to the Board of Directors until Van der Werff's official appointment.
Air Canada remains committed to its strategic objectives and is confident that Van der Werff's leadership will drive the airline forward, enhancing its position in the competitive global aviation industry.