Former Ethiopian Airlines chief Tewolde Gebremariam named Air India MD & CEO

Air India on Wednesday announced the appointment of former Ethiopian Airlines Group chief Tewolde Gebremariam as its chief executive officer (CEO) and managing director, succeeding Campbell Wilson as the Tata Group-owned carrier enters the next phase of its transformation programme.

The appointment was approved by the airline’s board of directors following what it described as a comprehensive global search overseen by a dedicated Board committee. According to the company, both internal and external candidates were evaluated before the board unanimously selected Gebremariam to lead the airline’s next phase of growth.

Global aviation veteran

Gebremariam is widely recognised for his tenure as CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group, where he led the airline through a period of major expansion. Air India said that under his leadership, Ethiopian Airlines grew into Africa’s largest and most profitable airline group, with revenue increasing more than fourfold and its fleet nearly tripling.

The airline said Gebremariam brings extensive experience in international network expansion, operational excellence, aviation infrastructure development, workforce upskilling and building a customer-focused service culture.

Chairman welcomes appointment

Welcoming the appointment, Air India chairman N. Chandrasekaran said the airline has completed the initial phase of stabilisation, integration and fleet commitments under Campbell Wilson’s leadership and is now entering a critical period of execution and expansion.

“On behalf of the Board, I am delighted to welcome Tewolde to Air India. Having completed the initial phase of stabilization, 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,” Chandrasekaran said.

Accepting the appointment, Gebremariam said he was honoured to lead the airline at a defining moment in its transformation.

“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,” he said.

The board also thanked outgoing CEO Campbell Wilson for leading Air India’s revitalisation, including overseeing the merger and integration process, initiating fleet modernisation and strengthening corporate governance.

Air India said further details regarding Gebremariam’s onboarding timeline and transition schedule will be announced in due course.