Photo: Shutterstock The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced a historic appointment at the top of the organization: The IATA Board of Directors has appointed Saadia Zahidi to the position of the organization's next Director General, effective November 1, 2026.
Zahidi will be IATA's ninth director general and the first woman appointed to head the organization, which represents the world's airlines.
Zahidi joins IATA from the World Economic Forum (WEF), where she served as a Senior Manager and Board Member. She has been with the organization for more than two decades, including founding and leading the Center for the New Economy and Society. During her time at WEF, she held a number of senior roles in communications, global programs, and relations with academia, civil society, and international organizations.
IATA's current CEO, Willie Walsh, will step down on July 31, 2026. In the interim, until Zahidi takes office, the organization's board of directors appointed CFO and Senior Vice President for Corporate Services, Sandrine Le Borgne, as interim CEO.
Roberto Albo, Chairman of the IATA Board of Directors and CEO of LATAM Airlines Group, said Zahidi’s extensive experience at the World Economic Forum is expected to strengthen IATA’s position as the voice of the global aviation industry. He said the appointment comes at a time of significant change in the international environment, with technology and geopolitics set to reshape the future of the industry.
Zahidi said upon her appointment that she sees aviation as a critical infrastructure for economic growth, trade, tourism, employment, investment and opportunity. She said she intends to work with IATA member airlines, governments and industry partners to promote innovation, strengthen industry resilience and promote sustainable growth.
Zahidi holds a BA in Economics from Smith College, an MPhil in International Economics from The Graduate Institute, and an MPA from Harvard University. She holds Swiss and Pakistani citizenship.
IATA Director General, Saadia Zahidi. Photo: IATA