- IATA appointed Saadia Zahidi as Director General from 1 November 2026.
- Zahidi is the ninth Director General and the first woman to hold the position.
- She joins from the World Economic Forum where she is a Managing Director.
- Willie Walsh concludes his duties on 31 July 2026.
- Sandrine Le Borgne will serve as Interim Director General.
IATA has appointed Saadia Zahidi as Director General from 1 November 2026, making her the ninth Director General and the first woman to hold the position. Zahidi joins IATA from the World Economic Forum where she is a Managing Director and Member of the Managing Board. Glasnevin born Willie Walsh, IATA’s current Director General, will conclude his duties on 31 July 2026.
IATA’s Board of Directors has appointed Sandrine Le Borgne, IATA’s Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President for Corporate Services, as Interim Director General for the intervening period. Roberto Alvo, Chair of the IATA Board of Directors and CEO of LATAM Airlines Group, stated the Board is pleased to appoint Zahidi as Director General.
Zahidi spent more than two decades at the World Economic Forum and founded its Centre for the New Economy and Society. She holds a BA in Economics from Smith College, an MPhil in International Economics from The Graduate Institute and an MPA from Harvard University. IATA represents over 370 airlines accounting for some 85pc of global air traffic.
Roberto Alvo, Chair of the IATA Board, shared, “The Board is very pleased to appoint Saadia Zahidi as Director General of IATA.”
Saadia Zahidi shared, “Aviation is critical infrastructure for economic growth, trade, tourism, jobs, investment and opportunity.”
