Vistara announced Vinod Kannan as the CEO By Elets News Network - 16 September 2021

Vinod Kannan

Vistara announced the company’s CCO Vinod Kannan, will now take over as the airline’s chief executive officer starting from January 1. The incumbent Leslie Thng returns to Singapore Airlines in a senior role.

“Singapore Airlines is committed to the success of Vistara, together with our joint venture partner Tata Group. Kannan’s appointment has been approved by the Vistara board and is part of a regular renewal of the senior management at the airline. Thng will return to Singapore Airlines in a senior management role,” the airline said in a statement.

“Kannan has been with Vistara since June 2019 and knows the Indian market well. As its CEO, his immediate task will be to drive international expansion further and stabilise the domestic business. A lot will, however, depend upon Tata Group’s strategy for aviation. While the Tatas are front runners to acquire Air India, we don’t know yet whether or how soon they will integrate the group airlines,” said Ameya Joshi, aviation expert and founder of aviation blog Network Thoughts.

Kannan started his career in 2001 with Singapore Airlines, Currently he focuses mainly on network planning, revenue management, customer experience, and cabin service functions. He has also held many senior positions and handled global network planning.

In a statement, Vistara Chairman Bhaskar Bhat said, “ Kannan will lead Vistara in its next phase of growth building on the strong foundation laid by Thng. The company continues to benefit from the strong commitment of the two partners – Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines.”

In addition to Thng and Kannan, Singapore Airlines has deputed two other executives in Vistara. This includes Nam Kung Sia, senior vice-president (ground services) and Hamish Maxwell, senior vice-president (flight operations).

Related News