The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has appointed Saadia Zahidi as its next Director General, making her the first woman to lead the organisation. Zahidi, currently a Managing Director at the World Economic Forum (WEF), will take up the role on November 1, 2026.
She succeeds Willie Walsh, who steps down on July 31, after leading IATA through the post-pandemic recovery. Chief Financial Officer Sandrine Le Borgne will serve as Interim Director General between Walsh’s departure and Zahidi’s arrival.
IATA Chair Roberto Alvo said Zahidi’s experience at the WEF and expertise in global economic and geopolitical issues would strengthen the association as the aviation industry navigates rapid technological and geopolitical change.
Zahidi said her priority would be working with airlines, governments and industry partners to advance innovation, resilience and sustainable growth while strengthening aviation’s role in connecting people and economies worldwide.
A WEF veteran of more than 20 years, Zahidi currently heads the Centre for the New Economy and Society and has led several of the forum’s flagship research programmes, including its Future of Jobs and Global Gender Gap reports. She holds Swiss and Pakistani nationality.
