Air Canada has named Anko Van der Werff as its next president and chief executive officer, with the appointment expected to take effect by the end of January 2027. Van der Werff currently serves as president and CEO of Scandinavian Airlines System, a position he has held since July 2021. He will succeed Michael Rousseau, who announced his retirement in March after spending 19 years with Air Canada.
Rousseau is scheduled to leave the airline on August 31, creating a transition period before Van der Werff formally takes over. Air Canada did not provide detailed information about interim leadership arrangements in the announcement. The extended handover window suggests the board is prioritizing continuity while preparing for a leadership change at a time when airlines continue to face volatile fuel costs, shifting demand patterns, and operational pressure across international networks.
Van der Werff brings experience from several major aviation groups. Before joining SAS, he served as CEO of Avianca and held senior leadership roles at Qatar Airways. Earlier in his career, he worked in management positions at KLM. He also served on the board of the International Air Transport Association until June 2026, giving him additional exposure to global airline policy and industry coordination.
The appointment places an executive with restructuring, network, and international carrier experience at the head of Air Canada. His tenure at SAS included a period of significant financial and ownership change, experience that may prove relevant as Air Canada continues managing costs, fleet investment, and long-haul growth.
For the broader aviation sector, the move highlights continued competition for executives with cross-border operational experience. Air Canada’s choice suggests the carrier wants a leader familiar with complex airline groups, international partnerships, and the financial discipline required in a highly cyclical industry.
