Air India has appointed Tewolde Gebremariam as its Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, succeeding Campbell Wilson, as the airline enters the next phase of its transformation programme.
The appointment was announced by the Board of Directors following a global search overseen by a dedicated Board committee, which evaluated internal and external candidates. The Board selected Gebremariam for his experience in leading large-scale airline transformation, operational excellence, safety standards and profitable growth.
Gebremariam previously served as CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group for more than a decade, during which he expanded the airline into Africa’s largest and most profitable carrier. Under his leadership, the airline’s revenue grew more than fourfold while its fleet nearly tripled. He also led the development of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities, aviation training infrastructure and international hub operations.
According to Air India, the appointment comes as the airline transitions from its turnaround phase to a period focused on execution, network expansion and profitability. The company said Gebremariam’s experience in long-haul network growth, operational reliability, workforce development and customer service will support its long-term strategy.
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 stabilization, integration, and fleet commitments under Campbell’s guidance, Air India is now entering a critical execution and expansion era. 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.”
Commenting on his appointment, Tewolde Gebremariam said, “It is a profound honour to be entrusted with leading Air India at such a historic moment in its journey. 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.”
Air India said it will continue to focus on strengthening international connectivity, improving operational performance, modernising its fleet and enhancing customer experience. The airline also reaffirmed its commitment to workforce development, safety standards and supporting India’s ambition of becoming a global aviation hub.
The Board also acknowledged Campbell Wilson’s leadership in overseeing Air India’s merger and integration, fleet modernisation initiatives and governance reforms, stating that these efforts laid the foundation for the airline’s next phase of growth.
