IATA has appointed Saadia Zahidi as its new director general to take over from Willie Walsh who is leaving the airline organisation in July.
Zahidi, who will begin the role on 1 November, will be IATA’s ninth director general and the first woman to hold the role.
She joins IATA from the World Economic Forum (WEF) where she is a managing director and member of the managing board.
According to her LinkedIn profile, Zahidi has worked at WEF for more than 20 years, having joined in 2004 as an economist. She has held her current role for more than eight years.
Sandrine Le Borgne, IATA’s chief financial officer and senior vice president for corporate services, has been appointed as interim director general for the intervening period.
Walsh is leaving the role to become the chief executive of Indian low-cost carrier IndiGo.
Roberto Alvo, chair of the IATA board of directors and chief executive of LATAM Airlines Group, said: “Saadia’s long and outstanding experience at the World Economic Forum will enhance and strengthen IATA as the voice of the world’s airlines.
“Saadia’s appointment comes at a moment of significant change in the international environment. Technology and geopolitics, among others, will reshape the industry in the future and Saadia brings the right skills to effectively articulate what our industry needs to continue connecting people and economies safely, efficiently and sustainably.”
Alvo also thanked Walsh for his “outstanding leadership” as IATA emerged from the Covid years “stronger and with a more representative membership than ever”.
“Aviation is critical infrastructure for economic growth, trade, tourism, jobs, investment and opportunity,” added Zahidi.
“I look forward to working closely with our member airlines, governments and the ecosystem of partners to build on IATA’s remarkable foundation, ensuring aviation continues to connect the world while embracing innovation, strengthening resilience and advancing sustainable growth.”
IATA added that Zahidi had also founded and currently heads WEF’s Centre for the New Economy and Society and previously led the WEF’s Global Communications Group, Global Programming Group, and engagement with academics, civil society and international organisations.
Elsewhere, Zahidi also founded and co-authors WEF’s Future of Jobs Reports, the Future of Growth Reports, the Global Gender Gap Reports, and Chief Economist Outlooks and has served on the UN Secretary-General’s panel for Women’s Economic Empowerment and the European Space Agency’s High-Level Advisory Group,
