Air Canada Names SAS Chief Anko van der Werff as Next CEO

Air Canada has named Anko van der Werff, the current President and CEO of Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), as its next President and Chief Executive Officer. Van der Werff is expected to assume the role and join the carrier's Board of Directors by the end of January 2027, the airline confirmed in an official release.

The appointment follows a global executive search to succeed Michael Rousseau, who will retire Aug. 31, 2026, after 19 years with the carrier. During the transition period, Air Canada's executive committee will report directly to the Board of Directors.

A Strategic Hire With International Depth

Van der Werff brings a broad international résumé to the role, having previously served as CEO of Avianca and held senior leadership positions at Aeroméxico, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, and Qatar Airways. Industry analysts view his appointment as strategically significant given his experience in airline restructuring, network optimization, and transatlantic operations. His French-language proficiency is also seen as a meaningful asset as the carrier works to strengthen relations with francophone communities and regulators — an area of public scrutiny during Rousseau's tenure. As Air Canada continues to develop its hub at Toronto Pearson International Airport, the leadership change signals a clear emphasis on external expertise and operational resilience. SAS has confirmed van der Werff will remain in his current role until his departure in early 2027, while the airline begins searching for his successor.