Scandinavian Airlines CEO Anko Van der Werff Will Take the Helm at Air Canada

Anko Van der Werff is set to become the next President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada, effective by the end of January 2027.

Currently President and Chief Executive Officer at SAS Scandinavian Airlines, the veteran airline executive succeeds Michael Rousseau, who previously announced his retirement after 19 years with Air Canada.

Van der Werff has held senior roles across Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. In his role as President and CEO of Scandinavian Airlines he lead the carrier through a significant period of transformation and strategic renewal.

Before joining SAS in 2021, he was Chief Executive Officer of Avianca, one of Latin America’s leading airlines. Earlier in his career, he served as EVP and Chief Commercial Officer at Aeromexico, held senior commercial leadership positions at Qatar Airways, and occupied a number of management roles at KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.

“Our Board of Directors was impressed by the quality of experienced executives from around the world who expressed interest in the role,” said Vagn Sørensen, Chair of the Board. 

“We are delighted to have attracted and recruited an executive of Mr. Van der Werff’s stature to lead Air Canada. He has an exceptional breadth of international aviation experience and a proven 25-year track record, including his most recent forward-looking executive leadership at Scandinavian Airlines.”

Van der Werff, who will also hold a place on Air Canada’s Board of Directors, had this to say about his appointment:

“Air Canada is a globally recognized airline leader. It is an honour to be chosen to lead this iconic Canadian company as it advances its ambitions and strategy, builds on its award-winning employee culture and customer value proposition, and prepares for an even brighter future. 

“I look forward to working closely with Air Canada’s talented executive team and with all employees to fulfil our commitments to shareholders and customers. I am excited about relocating to Montréal and eager to get started.”

Chair of the Board Sørensen concluded: “The Board is grateful to Michael Rousseau for his outstanding leadership and extraordinary contributions, which are in large part responsible for the enviable position Air Canada enjoys among global carriers. We thank him for that legacy and for his support with the transition.”

Rousseau’s retirement is effective August 31, 2026. He will continue to be available as needed throughout the transition. Following his departure and for the duration of the transition period, the Executive Committee will report to the Board of Directors.

A native of the Netherlands, Van der Werff speaks Dutch and is able to communicate in both French and English. He also learned Spanish, Italian and Swedish at different levels over the course of his international career