Before taking on this new responsibility, Zahidi spent more than two decades at the World Economic Forum, where she served as Managing Director and as a member of the Executive Committee. Throughout her career, she has led major initiatives focused on economic transformation, labor markets, innovation, and global competitiveness. She has also played a key role in producing internationally recognized reports on economic growth, gender equality, competitiveness, and the future of work—publications that have become valuable reference tools for governments, businesses, and international institutions in shaping public policy and corporate strategy.
Her appointment comes at a particularly significant moment for the aviation industry. While global air travel has continued its recovery following the unprecedented disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the sector is simultaneously facing a range of new challenges. These include global economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, rising operating costs, and the urgent need to accelerate the transition toward more sustainable aviation. At the same time, airlines and industry stakeholders are working to modernize infrastructure, embrace digital transformation, and advance decarbonization efforts through the wider adoption of sustainable aviation fuels and increasingly efficient aircraft technologies.
IATA’s Board of Governors has emphasized that Zahidi’s extensive international experience will strengthen the association’s position as the leading global voice for the airline industry. According to the organization, aviation is entering a period of profound transformation driven by technological innovation, evolving market dynamics, and an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape. These developments require leadership capable of fostering constructive dialogue among governments, airlines, regulators, and international organizations while guiding the industry through an era of rapid change.
For her part, Zahidi has expressed her commitment to strengthening collaboration across every segment of the aviation ecosystem. She has highlighted aviation’s critical role in facilitating international trade, tourism, investment, job creation, and economic development around the world. She also reaffirmed her intention to work closely with airlines, policymakers, and industry partners to ensure that global air transport continues to connect people, businesses, and economies in a safe, efficient, and environmentally sustainable manner.
Beyond its operational significance, Zahidi’s appointment represents an important milestone for gender diversity within an industry that has historically been dominated by male leadership. Her selection sends a strong message about the growing recognition of diverse professional backgrounds and leadership perspectives. It also reflects IATA’s willingness to look beyond the traditional pool of airline executives in search of the expertise needed to address the evolving demands of a rapidly changing global industry. Her experience in international economics, governance, innovation, and institutional cooperation is expected to be a major asset as she leads the organization into its next phase.
The leadership transition follows the departure of Willie Walsh, who has served as IATA’s Director General in recent years and will leave the position at the end of July. Until Zahidi officially takes office, Sandrine Le Borgne, the association’s Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President for Corporate Services, will serve as Interim Director General. With this appointment, IATA is opening a new chapter in its history, embracing a different style of leadership as it prepares to address the opportunities and challenges facing an industry that remains fundamental to global connectivity, economic growth, and international cooperation.
