Air India Names Former Ethiopian Airlines Head as CEO, Managing Director

Air India’s Board of Directors on Wednesday announced the appointment of aviation veteran Tewolde Gebremariam as CEO and Managing Director, succeeding Campbell Wilson.

The executive transition comes as the Tata Group-owned carrier transitions from its initial stabilization and integration phase into a high-growth execution strategy. The appointment concludes a months-long global search led by a dedicated board committee. Gebremariam takes the helm as the airline continues to navigate heavy financial losses, operational challenges from airspace restrictions, and increased regulatory scrutiny.

Gebremariam, who led Ethiopian Airlines Group for over a decade before stepping down in 2022, is widely credited with transforming the carrier from a regional operator into Africa’s largest and most profitable airline. Under his leadership, Ethiopian Airlines’ annual revenue quadrupled to USD4.5 billion, and its fleet nearly tripled while expanding its global hub and maintenance infrastructure. He also guided the airline through major disruptions, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2019 Boeing 737 MAX grounding, without government bailouts.

“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,” said N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons and Air India. “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.”

Gebremariam said he was honored to take on the role.

“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,” Gebremariam said. “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.”

Outgoing CEO Campbell Wilson, who joined Air India following its privatization in 2022, oversaw the carrier’s merger with Vistara, brand overhaul, and multi-billion-dollar fleet modernization program. The board thanked Wilson for laying the foundation for the airline’s long-term restructuring.