The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has appointed its first female director general, as incumbent Willie Walsh prepares to exit and join IndiGo.
On July 24, 2026, following selection by IATA’s board of directors, the association named Saadia Zahid as its ninth director general.
Zahid, who currently works as the managing director of the World Economic Forum, will join IATA on November 1, 2026. Walsh is due to leave on July 31, 2026.
IATA has appointed its CFO and Senior Vice President for Corporate Services, Sandrine Le Borgne, as interim director general from August to the end of October 2026.
In a statement, IATA said that Zahid’s “long and outstanding experience” working for the World Economic Forum will “enhance and strengthen IATA as the voice of the world’s airlines”.
“Saadia’s appointment comes at a moment of significant change in the international environment,” Roberto Alvo, Chair of the IATA Board of Directors and CEO of LATAM Airlines Group said. “Technology and geopolitics, among others, will reshape the industry in the future and Saadia brings the right skills to effectively articulate what our industry needs to continue connecting people and economies safely, efficiently, and sustainably.”
Alvo also thanked Walsh for his “outstanding leadership” that helped the association “emerge from the COVID years stronger and with a more representative membership than ever”.
Born in Lahore, Pakistan, Saadia also holds Swiss citizenship. She previously studied at Harvard Kennedy School and has spent her entire 22-year career at the World Economic Forum.
“I am honored to help advance IATA’s mission to represent, lead, and serve the airline industry at this pivotal moment,” Saadia said. “Aviation is critical infrastructure for economic growth, trade, tourism, jobs, investment, and opportunity. In a rapidly changing world, IATA’s role in bringing the industry together to collaborate through trusted standards, essential services, and advocacy has never been more important.”