Early last week, TIACA introduced Mammen Tharakan as its new Director General. He succeeds Glyn Hughes, who is retiring (see PART 2).
On Friday (24JUL26), IATA followed suit, announcing that Saadia Zahidi will be heading the association come November 2026. She will be IATA’s ninth Director General and the first woman appointed to hold the leading position. Zahidi takes over from Willie Walsh, who has headed IATA since April 2021.
By promptly filling two leadership positions that were soon to become vacant, both associations have demonstrated their ability to take decisive action.
The Swiss Pakistani economist, Saadia Zahidi, joins IATA from the World Economic Forum (WEF), where she is a Managing Director and Member of the Managing Board. She will succeed Willie Walsh effective 01NOV26. The former CEO of Aer Lingus and British Airways will leave IATA on July 31, 2026, to take over as CEO of the Indian airline IndiGo in New Delhi. From that date until Mrs. Zahidi takes office on 01NOV26, IATA will be temporarily led by Chief Financial Officer, Sandrine Le Borgne.
Bringing a fresh perspective to IATA
“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. She’ll bring a fresh perspective to IATA that will grow its support for the airline industry on the foundations of IATA’s well-established technical, financial, and data capabilities,” states Roberto Alvo, Chair of the IATA Board of Directors and CEO of LATAM Airlines Group.
IATA’s role “has never been more important”
“I am honored to help advance IATA’s mission to represent, lead, and serve the airline industry at this pivotal moment. Aviation is critical infrastructure for economic growth, trade, tourism, jobs, investment, and opportunity. In a rapidly changing world, IATA’s role in bringing the industry together to collaborate through trusted standards, essential services, and advocacy has never been more important. 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. Together, we can expand the benefits of connectivity to more people and economies around the world. My top priority will be working with the IATA team and with the industry to build aviation’s future together,” replies Zahidi.
The WEF has shaped Zahidi, Zahidi has shaped the WEF
Zahidi spent more than two decades at the World Economic Forum, where she founded and currently heads the Center for the New Economy and Society. Previously she has led the WEF’s Global Communications Group, Global Programming Group, and WEF’s engagement with academics, civil society, and international organizations. Zahidi founded and co-authors WEF’s Future of Jobs Reports, the Future of Growth Reports, the Global Gender Gap Reports, and Chief Economist Outlooks. She has served on the UN Secretary-General’s panel for Women’s Economic Empowerment and the European Space Agency’s High-Level Advisory Group. She is also the author of Fifty Million Rising, tracking the rise of working women in the Muslim world. Zahidi holds a BA in Economics from Smith College, an MPhil in International Economics from The Graduate Institute, and an MPA from Harvard University.
