Air India appoints Tewolde Gebremariam as CEO to lead next phase of growth

Air India has appointed Tewolde Gebremariam as its Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, succeeding Campbell Wilson, as the Tata Group-owned airline moves from its initial turnaround phase into a new period of growth and profitable execution.

The appointment was announced by Air India’s Board of Directors on Wednesday following a global search overseen by a dedicated Board committee. The committee evaluated internal and external candidates, with the Board ultimately selecting Gebremariam for his experience in large-scale airline turnarounds, operational excellence, safety, service and profitable expansion.

The leadership transition comes as Air India continues to navigate financial pressure, regulatory scrutiny following last year’s fatal crash and operational disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions.

The airline said Gebremariam’s appointment marks “a pivotal juncture” in its transformation into a world-class global carrier.

Gebremariam is widely recognised for his leadership of Ethiopian Airlines Group, where he served as CEO for more than a decade. During his tenure, he led a multi-billion-dollar expansion that transformed the regional carrier into Africa’s largest, most profitable and decorated airline group. Revenue grew more than fourfold during the period, while its fleet nearly tripled.

His experience also includes managing complex operational environments, driving cultural transformation, developing global hubs and building MRO and aviation training infrastructure.

Air India said his experience in expanding international long-haul networks, strengthening hub operations and maintaining high standards of safety, engineering quality and operational reliability will be particularly important as the airline enters its next phase.

N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons and Air India, said, “On behalf of the Board, I am delighted to welcome Tewolde to Air India. Having completed the initial phase of stabilisation, integration, and fleet commitments under Campbell's guidance, Air India is now entering a critical execution and expansion era.”

He added, “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. His operational expertise, commitment to safety, and vision for hub development will be instrumental as we establish Air India as a premier global carrier and a source of national pride.”

Gebremariam said the appointment was a significant responsibility at a defining point in the airline’s history. “It is a profound honour to be entrusted with leading Air India at such a historic moment in its journey,” he said. “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 added, “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.”

Focus on people and operational reliability

Air India said the new leadership phase will also place greater emphasis on its workforce, with Gebremariam’s leadership philosophy centred on people as a key driver of organisational success.

Employees across flight operations, ground services, engineering and corporate functions are expected to see continued investment in training, career development and an empowering work environment built around merit, accountability and pride in the national carrier.

For passengers, Air India said the next phase will focus on improving on-time performance, modernising aircraft cabins, enhancing hospitality and strengthening global connectivity.

The airline also said it will continue working with civil aviation authorities and regulators to strengthen India’s position as a global aviation hub while maintaining high standards of aviation safety and compliance.

The Board thanked Wilson for his leadership during Air India’s revitalisation phase. During his tenure, he oversaw complex merger and integration processes, initiated large-scale fleet modernisation programmes, introduced new corporate governance standards and established the foundations for the airline’s next stage of development.

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