New Delhi: Air India on Wednesday appointed former Ethiopian Airlines Group chief executive Tewolde Gebremariam as CEO and MD, putting an end to speculations that he would lead the recently privatised Pakistan International Airlines.
Outgoing CEO Campbell Wilson is expected to hand over the leadership to Gebremariam on October 1.
The airline said Gebremariam was chosen for his experience in leading large-scale airline turnarounds, driving operational excellence, expanding international networks and building profitable aviation businesses.
Gebremariam led Ethiopian Airlines Group for more than a decade, during which the carrier emerged as Africa’s largest airline.
“Under his leadership, the airline expanded rapidly, with revenue increasing more than fourfold and its fleet nearly tripling in size. He also oversaw the development of the airline’s maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities, aviation training ecosystem and hub operations in Addis Ababa,” a statement by Air India read.
Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran said the airline was now moving from its “stabilisation and integration” phase to one focused on execution and growth. “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,” he said.
Accepting the appointment, Gebremariam said, “It is a profound honour to be entrusted with leading Air India at such a historic moment in its journey.” He said he looked forward to building “a world-class global airline that reflects India’s extraordinary economic potential.”
The appointment comes more than four years after the Tata Group regained control of Air India in January 2022.
Following the landmark privatization of Air India, the Tata Group hired Wilson in May 2022 to spearhead an ambitious 5-year multi-billion dollar turnaround strategy.
Under Campbell Wilson, the airline completed the merger of Air India Express and AIX Connect, integrated Vistara with Air India, placed record aircraft orders, and initiated the refurbishment of its legacy fleet.