IATA Names Saadia Zahidi as its 1st Female Director General

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced its ninth Director General – and the first woman appointed to hold the position.

Effective November 1, Saadia Zahidi will take over the role held for several years by Willie Walsh. She joins IATA from the World Economic Forum (WEF) where she is a Managing Director and Member of the Managing Board. 

Walsh, IATA’s current Director General, will conclude his duties on July 31. The IATA Board of Directors has appointed Sandrine Le Borgne, IATA’s Chief Financial Officer and SVP for Corporate Services, as Interim Director General for the intervening period.  

“Saadia’s long and outstanding experience at the World Economic Forum will enhance and strengthen IATA as the voice of the world’s airlines,” said Roberto Alvo, Chair of the IATA Board of Directors and CEO of LATAM Airlines Group.

“Global air transport is a trillion-dollar industry that has and continues to change the world for the better. 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 added: “I thank Willie for his outstanding leadership that helped IATA emerge from the COVID years stronger and with a more representative membership than ever. We now look forward to Saadia taking IATA’s work to even greater heights.”

 “I am honoured to help advance IATA’s mission to represent, lead and serve the airline industry at this pivotal moment,” said Zahidi.

 “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. My top priority will be working with the IATA team and with the industry to build aviation’s future together,” said Zahidi.

Zahidi spent more than two decades at the World Economic Forum, where she served as Managing Director and Member of the Managing Board. She is also the author of Fifty Million Rising, tracking the rise of working women in the Muslim world.