Anne Rigail

Anne Rigail joined Air Inter (which later merged with her current employer, Air France) in 1991 as a fresh-faced college graduate. Nearly 30 years later, Air France named her as CEO, making Rigail the first female chief executive in the company’s history. Under Rigail’s leadership and focus on sustainability, the airline continues to invest in more eco-friendly “new-generation aircraft,” leading to a reduction in CO2 and noise pollution. Air France–KLM reported record revenue in 2023, up 14% year on year to €30 billion ($33.6 billion). However, like many other airlines, Air France struggled with tourists avoiding France and its capital, Paris, during the 2024 Olympics this summer. Deterred by the prospect of large crowds and high prices, the country’s national carrier— the official airline of the Games—took a €40 million ($44.8 million) revenue hit.