Michael Rousseau, President and CEO, Air Canada, has been elected as the new Chairperson of the Star Alliance Chief Executive Board (CEB), succeeding United CEO Scott Kirby, who served since 2020. Rousseau’s appointment positions him at the helm of the world’s largest airline alliance, consisting of 25 global member airlines. He will lead the Alliance’s strategic direction, conduct biannual board meetings, and serve as its spokesperson.
Expressing enthusiasm for his new role, Rousseau emphasised Star Alliance’s commitment to a seamless customer experience. “I look forward to working with the board to realise the vision of an effortlessly connected world,” he stated, encouraging all member airlines to contribute to the Alliance’s goals for 2025 and beyond. His leadership comes at a pivotal time as Star Alliance focuses on strengthening its global connectivity and enhancing passenger convenience.
Theo Panagiotoulias, CEO,Star Alliance welcomed Rousseau, describing him as one of the most seasoned CEOs on the board. He praised Scott Kirby for his impactful four-year leadership, which guided the Alliance through challenging times. Panagiotoulias reaffirmed the Alliance’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and delivering exceptional travel experiences.
The CEB, comprising CEOs from all 25 member airlines, serves as the governing body of Star Alliance. Under Rousseau’s leadership, the Alliance aims to expand its strategic initiatives and maintain its position as a leader in global aviation. His election marks a new chapter for the organisation, continuing its mission to offer a unified and seamless travel experience.