Air Canada appoints Anko Van der Werff as next President and CEO

Air Canada has appointed Anko Van der Werff as its next President and Chief Executive Officer, effective by the end of January 2027. He will also join the airline’s Board of Directors, succeeding Michael Rousseau, who will retire on 31 August 2026 after 19 years with the company.

Van der Werff, currently CEO of Scandinavian Airlines, was selected after a global search. Air Canada’s Board highlighted his more than 25 years of international aviation leadership experience, including senior roles at SAS, Avianca, Aeroméxico, Qatar Airways and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.

During his tenure at SAS since 2021, Van der Werff led a period of transformation and strategic renewal. He previously headed Avianca and held commercial leadership positions at Aeroméxico and Qatar Airways, with earlier management roles at KLM.

Air Canada’s Board said his international background, transformation experience and ability to communicate in French made him well suited to lead the airline’s next phase of growth. Van der Werff said he is honoured to lead the Canadian carrier and plans to work with employees and management to advance the company’s strategy and customer offering.

The appointment comes as Air Canada thanks Michael Rousseau for his leadership and contribution to the airline’s strong global position. Rousseau will remain available during the transition period, while the executive committee will report directly to the Board following his departure.

Van der Werff, a Dutch national, holds a master’s degree in law from Leiden University and completed executive studies at Harvard Business School. He speaks Dutch, English and French, and knows Spanish, Italian and Swedish.