Air Canada Board of Directors Announces the Retirement of President and CEO | News
The Air Canada Board of Directors today announced that Michael Rousseau has informed the Board of Directors that he will retire by the end of the third quarter of 2026, after nearly two decades of strong and committed leadership that has strengthened Air Canada’s position as a leader in the aviation industry at home and abroad. Until then, Mr. Rousseau will continue to lead the company and remain a member of the Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors has long paid attention to CEO succession planning. In line with this priority, a comprehensive internal development program for high-potential executives has been in the works for more than two years. An external global search was also launched in January 2026 to identify potential additional candidates with the skills and experience to lead Canada’s national airline, proudly headquartered in Montréal, Québec. The Council will take into account a number of performance criteria when assessing candidates, including the ability to communicate in French. Mr. Rousseau has agreed to remain available as needed to ensure a seamless and smooth transition.
“On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, I would like to thank Mike for his many contributions to Air Canada as he progressed from Chief Financial Officer to Deputy CEO and then to CEO and member of the Board of Directors. We are grateful for the determined leadership he has provided, not only in steering our company through the 2007-2008 financial crisis, COVID and other challenges, but also in capitalizing on opportunities such as the Aeroplan acquisition, in restoring the solvency of our pension plans and in advancing customer focus and employee well-being priorities.” said Vagn Sørensen, Chairman of the Board of Directors. “Our upcoming General Meeting will allow us to further recognize his achievements, including a legacy of financial strength,” he added.
“It has been a great honor for me to work with the dedicated and talented people of Air Canada and to represent our outstanding organization, including as Chairman of Star Alliance CEO and on the Board of Directors of the International Air Transport Association,” said Mr. Rousseau. “I look forward to supporting our company during this important transition period.”
The Council is assisted in these initiatives by leading global management consultancies Egon Zehnder and Korn Ferry.
