Air India Appoints Former Ethiopian Airlines Chief Tewolde Gebremariam As New MD and CEO

Air India on Wednesday announced the appointment of Tewolde Gebremariam as the next Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. Gebremariam, a former Ethiopian Airlines Group chief, will replace Campbell Wilson. Earlier, Wilson announced his resignation in April this year.

In an official release, Air India said it rigorously evaluated internal as well as highly accomplished external candidates from across the world before deciding on Gebremariam. The appointment comes at a crucial time when the loss-making Air India is working on expansion amid multiple external headwinds. 

"It is a profound honour to be entrusted with leading Air India at such a historic moment in its journey. Air India carries an incredible legacy, and the opportunity to build a world-class global airline that reflects India’s extraordinary economic potential is uniquely exciting. I look forward to working closely with Chairman Chandrasekaran, the Board, our employees, and all government and industry partners to deliver exceptional operational reliability, warm Indian hospitality, and sustained long-term growth," Tewolde Gebremariam, Incoming CEO & Managing Director, said on his appointment.

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Who Is Tewolde Gebremariam?

Gebremariam previously served as CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group, where he led a multi-billion-dollar expansion that transformed a regional airline into Africa's largest and most profitable airline. Tewolde Gebremariam is a prominent aviation executive widely recognised for his pivotal role in transforming Ethiopian Airlines into Africa's largest and most profitable aviation group.

He excels at navigating intricate operational environments, fostering cultural shifts, establishing global competitive hubs, and creating premier infrastructure for MRO and aviation training. According to Air India's official release, he has demonstrated a consistent ability to ensure financial stability despite unstable economic conditions and shifting international markets. Additionally, he is highly skilled in professional development and team capacity building, while promoting a results-driven culture focused on the customer experience.

"On behalf of the Board, I am delighted to welcome Tewolde to Air India. Having completed the initial phase of stabilisation, integration, and fleet commitments under Campbell's guidance, Air India is now entering a critical execution and expansion era. Tewolde’s track record in building one of the world's most efficient and profitable airline groups makes him uniquely suited to lead Air India. His operational expertise, commitment to safety, and vision for hub development will be instrumental as we establish Air India as a premier global carrier and a source of national pride," said N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons and Air India.