Michael Rousseau
Michael Rousseau is a Canadian business executive who has served as president and chief executive officer of Air Canada since 2021.
Michael Rousseau is a Canadian business executive who has served as president and CEO of Air Canada since 2021. He joined the airline in 2007 after a career in senior finance and retail leadership, including as president of Hudson's Bay Company. Air Canada announced in March 2026 that he would retire by the end of the third quarter of 2026.
Early life and education
Michael Rousseau was born in Cornwall, Ontario, in February 1958. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from York University.
Career before Air Canada
Before joining Air Canada, Rousseau held senior executive roles at Hudson's Bay Company, where he served as president, and at other corporations including Moore Corporation, Silcorp Limited, and the UCS Group.
Career at Air Canada
Rousseau joined Air Canada in 2007 as executive vice-president and chief financial officer. He later became deputy chief executive officer and CFO, and was appointed president and CEO in February 2021.
Leadership and retirement announcement
Air Canada described Rousseau as having played a major role in the airline's transformation and recovery period. In March 2026, the company announced that he would retire by the end of September 2026.
Industry roles and recognition
Rousseau has served on industry and corporate boards, including the Board of Governors of the International Air Transport Association. Air Canada said he was elected chair of the Star Alliance Chief Executive Board in 2024.
Key facts
- Rousseau became president and CEO of Air Canada in February 2021.
- He joined Air Canada in 2007 and previously served as executive vice-president and CFO, later deputy CEO and CFO.
- Before Air Canada, he held executive roles at Hudson's Bay Company and other large corporations.
- Air Canada announced in March 2026 that he would retire by the end of the third quarter of 2026.
- He was elected chair of the Star Alliance Chief Executive Board in December 2024.
He is a prominent Canadian airline executive leading one of Canada’s largest companies, with particular relevance to Canadian aviation, business leadership, and bilingual public expectations in Quebec and across the country.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Michael Rousseau?
When did Michael Rousseau join Air Canada?
What was Michael Rousseau's role before becoming CEO?
Where was Michael Rousseau born?
When was his retirement announced?
References
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_RousseauSupports: Birth details, education, career timeline, and retirement announcement context.
- Air Canada — https://www.aircanada.com/media/michael-rousseau/Supports: Official biography, appointment dates, prior roles, board and industry positions, and recognition.
- Air Canada — https://www.aircanada.com/media/air-canada-board-of-directors-announces-the-retirement-of-president-and-chief-executive-officer/Supports: Official announcement that Rousseau will retire by the end of the third quarter of 2026.
- Air Canada — https://www.aircanada.com/media/management-team/Supports: Current management listing identifying Rousseau as president and chief executive officer.