Air Canada’s Board of Directors has announced that Michael Rousseau has informed the Board that he will retire by the end of the third quarter of 2026, after nearly two decades of strong and dedicated leadership that has reinforced Air Canada’s place as a leader in the airline industry domestically and globally.
Rousseau will continue to lead the company and to serve on its Board until that time.
Air Canada’s Board said that it has had a longstanding focus on CEO succession planning. Consistent with this priority, work has been underway for more than two years on a comprehensive internal development program for high potential executives.
An external global search was also commenced 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 Board will consider a number of performance criteria in assessing candidates including the ability to communicate in French.
Rousseau has agreed to remain available as needed to ensure a seamless and smooth transition.
Vagn Sørensen, Chair of the Board of Directors, said: “On behalf of the entire Board, I want 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 Board member.”
Sørensen continued: “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 capturing opportunities such as the acquisition of Aeroplan, in restoring the solvency of our pension plans and in advancing customer centricity and employee well-being priorities,” “Our upcoming AGM will allow us to further recognize his achievements which include a legacy of financial strength.”
Commenting on his retirement announcement, Rousseau said: “It has been my great honour to work with the dedicated and talented people of Air Canada and to represent our outstanding organization, including as chair of the Star Alliance chief executive board and on the board of directors of the International Air Transport Association. I look forward to supporting our company during this important transition period.”
The Board is assisted in these initiatives by leading global organizational consulting firms Egon Zehnder and Korn Ferry.
