Air Canada’s New CEO Pick Puts French Front and Centre

The leadership change arrived with a detail that carried unusual weight: Air Canada’s next chief executive can communicate in French. The airline named SAS chief Anko Van der Werff as its next president and CEO on July 8, with the Dutch aviation executive set to take over by the end of January 2027. His appointment follows Michael Rousseau’s planned retirement after a public controversy over an English-only condolence message.

How Events Unfolded

Air Canada said Van der Werff was selected after a comprehensive global search that considered several performance criteria, including the ability to communicate in French. He will also join the airline’s board of directors when he assumes the job.

Rousseau is scheduled to retire on Aug. 31 after 19 years with Air Canada and five years as CEO. During the gap before Van der Werff arrives, the airline’s executive committee will report to the board of directors.

The succession follows a controversy that became central to the leadership search. Rousseau faced criticism after a four-minute condolence video about a deadly New York runway collision was delivered almost entirely in English, with only “bonjour” and “merci” spoken in French. The crash killed two Air Canada Express pilots and sent passengers to hospital.

Prime Minister Mark Carney described the decision as showing a “lack of judgment and lack of compassion,” while Quebec Premier François Legault called the video disrespectful to employees and francophone customers, according to The Canadian Press report.

Critical Details

Van der Werff brings a career spanning major international airlines. He has led Scandinavian Airlines since 2021 and previously served as CEO of Avianca. His earlier roles included chief commercial officer at Aeromexico, senior leadership positions at Qatar Airways and management work at KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.

The language question is not a side issue in this appointment. Air Canada said Van der Werff speaks Dutch and can communicate in English and French, while also having learned Spanish, Italian and Swedish to varying degrees. The airline published separate English and French greetings from him, and he said he was mindful of serving Canadians in both official languages.

His operational brief will also be demanding. Air Canada is pursuing a major fleet and route expansion, with more than 300 aircraft now and an expectation of nearly 400 by 2030, according to the Financial Post. The airline is investing in new aircraft and cabin renovations while planning new international routes.

That creates a direct cause-and-effect challenge for the incoming CEO: growth brings more capacity and revenue opportunities, but it also puts greater pressure on reliability, service and capital spending. John Gradek, who teaches airline leadership at McGill University, identified customer service, on-time performance and an aging long-haul fleet among the challenges facing the next leader.

Reactions & Responses

Air Canada chair Vagn Sorensen said Van der Werff brings a 25-year track record and broad international aviation experience.

“We are confident he will drive further value-creating growth and transformation while maintaining our commitment to disciplined capital allocation.”

Van der Werff framed the job around both strategy and national responsibility.

“It is an honour to be chosen to lead this iconic Canadian company as it advances its ambitions and strategy.”

SAS said Van der Werff will remain in his current role until his departure while the Scandinavian carrier begins its own search for a replacement.

Putting It in Perspective

For Canadian travellers and employees, the appointment links two expectations that now sit side by side: the airline wants faster international growth, while its next leader is entering under intense scrutiny over bilingual service and public communication.

The market backdrop is mixed. The Globe and Mail reported that Air Canada restored profitability after the COVID-19 pandemic and is pursuing international expansion, yet its volatile share price sits around where it was five years ago. The Financial Post also reported that transatlantic passenger revenue rose 4 per cent last year while revenue from U.S. flights fell 10 per cent.

Those numbers explain why Van der Werff’s mandate is broader than repairing a language controversy. He is being asked to manage growth, improve performance and create value at a carrier making large fleet bets while travel patterns shift.

Looking Ahead

Rousseau’s retirement takes effect Aug. 31. Van der Werff is expected to assume the CEO role and join Air Canada’s board by the end of January 2027. Until then, the executive committee will report to the board.

The confirmed next steps are therefore clear: Air Canada enters a transition period, SAS searches for a successor, and Van der Werff prepares to relocate to Montreal and take charge of Canada’s largest carrier.

FAQ

Who is Anko Van der Werff?

Anko Van der Werff is the current president and CEO of Scandinavian Airlines and Air Canada’s incoming chief executive.

When will Anko Van der Werff become Air Canada CEO?

He is expected to take over and join Air Canada’s board by the end of January 2027.

Why is Michael Rousseau leaving Air Canada?

Rousseau announced his retirement after criticism over an English-only condolence video following a crash that killed two Air Canada Express pilots.

Does Air Canada’s new CEO speak French?

Air Canada says Van der Werff is able to communicate in French as well as English and Dutch.

What challenges will Air Canada’s new CEO face?

The reported challenges include customer service, on-time performance, fleet renewal and managing a major international expansion.