Saadia will be IATA’s ninth Director General and the first woman appointed to hold the position
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that Saadia Zahidi has been appointed by IATA’s Board of Directors to the position of Director General from 1 November 2026.
Zahidi will be IATA’s ninth Director General and the first woman appointed to hold the position. She joins IATA from the World Economic Forum (WEF) where she is a Managing Director and Member of the Managing Board.
Willie Walsh, IATA’s current Director General, will conclude his duties on 31 July 2026. The IATA Board of Directors has appointed Sandrine Le Borgne, IATA’s Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President for Corporate Services, as Interim Director General for the intervening period.
“I thank Willie for his outstanding leadership that helped IATA emerge from the COVID years stronger and with a more representative membership than ever. We now look forward to Saadia taking IATA’s work to even greater heights,” stated Roberto Alvo, Chair of the IATA Board of Directors and CEO, LATAM Airlines Group.
“I am honoured to help advance IATA’s mission to represent, lead and serve the airline industry at this pivotal moment. My top priority will be working with the IATA team and with the industry to build aviation’s future together,” added Saadia, commenting on her appointment.
