Mumbai : Air India has appointed renowned aviation leader Tewolde Gebremariam, the former Group Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines, as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director (MD). The appointment marks a significant leadership transition for the Tata Group-owned airline as it enters the next phase of its ambitious transformation journey.
Gebremariam succeeds Campbell Wilson, who has led Air India since 2022 and had earlier informed Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran of his decision to step down in 2026.
The appointment follows an extensive global executive search conducted by a committee of the airline’s Board, which evaluated both internal and external candidates before selecting Gebremariam for the top leadership role.
Veteran Aviation Executive Takes the Helm
Tewolde Gebremariam is regarded as one of the world’s most accomplished airline executives, bringing over 36 years of experience in the global aviation industry.
He spent his entire professional career with Ethiopian Airlines, where he held several leadership positions before serving as Group CEO from 2011 to 2022.
During his tenure, Ethiopian Airlines achieved remarkable growth and emerged as one of the world’s most successful airline groups.
Key Achievements Under His Leadership
Under Gebremariam’s leadership:
- Revenue increased by more than four times, reflecting strong commercial growth.
- The airline’s fleet nearly tripled in size, significantly expanding its operational capacity.
- Ethiopian Airlines became Africa’s largest and most profitable airline group.
- He successfully guided the airline through the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic without requiring government financial bailouts.
- He also led the airline during the challenging aftermath of the 2019 Boeing 737 MAX crisis, maintaining operational resilience and passenger confidence.
His leadership has earned widespread recognition for combining financial discipline, strategic expansion, and operational excellence.
Strategic Appointment for Air India’s Next Growth Phase
The appointment comes at a crucial stage in Air India’s transformation programme.
Following its acquisition by the Tata Group, the airline has focused on fleet modernization, service improvements, network expansion, and organizational restructuring. With major aircraft orders already placed and the initial stabilization phase largely completed, the airline is now entering a new era centered on execution, operational efficiency, and sustainable profitability.
Chairman N. Chandrasekaran said Gebremariam’s proven ability to build a globally competitive airline makes him the ideal leader to steer Air India through its next phase of growth.
According to the Chairman, the airline now requires leadership capable of delivering world-class operational standards, improving customer experience, strengthening financial performance, and expanding Air India’s global presence.
Challenges Await the New CEO
As the new CEO and Managing Director, Gebremariam will assume leadership at a time when Air India is navigating several industry challenges.
These include:
- Financial pressures associated with large-scale fleet expansion.
- Heightened regulatory oversight across aviation operations.
- Supply chain constraints affecting aircraft deliveries and maintenance.
- Operational disruptions caused by evolving geopolitical developments.
- Increasing competition in both domestic and international aviation markets.
Industry experts believe his extensive experience in managing one of Africa’s most successful airlines will be valuable in addressing these challenges while maintaining Air India’s ambitious growth trajectory.
Leadership Transition
Outgoing CEO Campbell Wilson has played a pivotal role in leading Air India through its early transformation following the Tata Group’s takeover in 2022. During his tenure, the airline initiated one of the world’s largest aircraft acquisition programmes, revamped customer services, and began integrating various airline businesses within the Tata aviation portfolio.
The airline has stated that the formal date on which Tewolde Gebremariam will assume charge as CEO and Managing Director will be announced separately in due course.
Looking Ahead
The appointment of Tewolde Gebremariam signals Air India’s commitment to building a globally competitive, operationally efficient, and financially sustainable airline. With decades of international aviation leadership experience and a proven record of transforming Ethiopian Airlines into a global success story, Gebremariam is expected to play a key role in accelerating Air India’s vision of becoming a leading global carrier while strengthening its position in the rapidly evolving aviation industry.
