Air India has appointed veteran aviation leader Tewolde Gebremariam as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director (MD), replacing Campbell Wilson. The decision marks a major milestone in the Tata Group-owned airline’s long-term transformation strategy to strengthen its position among the world’s leading full-service carriers. The announcement follows an extensive global search conducted by the airline’s Board of Directors through a dedicated committee.
The selection process assessed both internal and international candidates, with the Board ultimately choosing Gebremariam for his proven ability to lead large-scale airline transformations, improve operational performance, and deliver sustained business growth, as per the airline’s official statement.
According to Air India, the Board sought a leader capable of steering the airline through its next stage of expansion while maintaining high standards of safety, service quality and operational efficiency. Following a detailed evaluation, the directors unanimously selected Gebremariam, citing his leadership credentials, deep industry knowledge and execution capabilities.
Gebremariam is widely known for his leadership at Ethiopian Airlines Group, where he spent more than a decade as CEO. During his tenure, the airline witnessed remarkable expansion, with revenues growing more than four times and its fleet nearly tripling in size. Under his leadership, Ethiopian Airlines emerged as Africa’s largest and one of its most profitable airline groups.
His experience spans building international aviation hubs, strengthening maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities, developing aviation training infrastructure and managing complex airline operations across global markets.
Air India Eyes Faster Growth And Stronger Global Presence
Welcoming the appointment, 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. 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.”
Responding to his appointment, Tewolde Gebremariam, Incoming CEO & Managing Director, 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. 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.”
Air India said the leadership transition aligns with its broader objective of supporting India’s civil aviation growth while strengthening the country’s role as a major global aviation hub. The airline plans to continue working closely with regulators and government agencies to enhance international connectivity and uphold the highest safety and compliance standards.
