Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Aug 6: Air India on Wednesday announced the appointment of former Ethiopian Airlines Group chief Tewolde Gebremariam as its next Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), succeeding Campbell Wilson, who stepped down in April after leading the Tata Group-owned carrier for four years.
The appointment comes at a crucial stage in Air India's transformation as the airline pursues expansion plans while navigating multiple external challenges, including the aftermath of the fatal AI171 crash last year.
In a statement, Air India described the leadership transition as a significant milestone in its journey to become a world-class global airline. The airline said its Board conducted a comprehensive search, evaluating both internal and internationally accomplished external candidates before selecting Gebremariam.
Welcoming the appointment, Tata Sons and Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran said the airline had completed its initial phase of stabilisation, integration and fleet commitments under Campbell Wilson's leadership and was now entering a critical phase focused on execution and expansion.
He said Gebremariam's proven track record in building one of the world's most efficient and profitable airline groups, along with his operational expertise, commitment to safety and vision for developing global aviation hubs, made him well suited to lead Air India into its next phase of growth.
Accepting the role, Gebremariam described it as a profound honour to lead Air India at a historic moment in its transformation. He said the airline carries a rich legacy and expressed his commitment to building a world-class global carrier that reflects India's growing economic strength.
He also said he looked forward to working with the Board, employees and industry stakeholders to enhance operational reliability, deliver warm Indian hospitality and achieve sustained long-term growth.
Gebremariam is widely regarded as one of the aviation industry's most accomplished executives. During his tenure as CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group, he led a multi-billion-dollar expansion that transformed the airline from a regional carrier into Africa's largest and most profitable airline group, increasing revenue more than fourfold while nearly tripling its fleet size.
Air India said his experience includes managing complex airline operations, driving organisational transformation, developing global aviation hubs, expanding long-haul international networks, strengthening maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities, and fostering a high-performance, customer-focused work culture.
The airline added that his expertise in maintaining safety standards, operational reliability, workforce development and sustainable profitability will play a key role in steering Air India's next phase of growth.