Air India appoints ex-Ethiopian Airlines chief Tewolde Gebremariam as new CEO
Gebremariam succeeds New Zealander Campbell Wilson, a former Singapore Airlines executive appointed in 2022.
On August 5, Air India announced the appointment of ex-Ethiopian Airlines CEO Tewolde Gebremariam as its new chief executive officer. Gebremariam was brought in to spearhead the turnaround of the loss-making carrier, which has been under intense regulatory scrutiny following a deadly crash in 2025. The move comes after months of searching for a CEO during the airline's most challenging period since Tata Group ownership in 2022.
Industry analyst John Strickland praised Gebremariam's qualifications, stating that his experience would be crucial in navigating the complex situation. Under his leadership at Ethiopian Airlines, the carrier experienced significant growth, with revenue increasing more than fourfold and the fleet nearly tripling. Gebremariam will succeed Campbell Wilson, who had been leading Air India's revival efforts since Tata's acquisition of the airline.
Wilson's tenure saw the airline undertake Vistara merger, a brand overhaul, and fleet modernisation. However, his leadership came to an end in April following the 2025 crash that killed 260 people and intensified regulatory and operational scrutiny. The airline posted a record loss of over US$2 billion in fiscal year 2025-26, according to shareholder Singapore Airlines' annual report.
Tata Sons chair N. Chandrasekaran acknowledged the scale of the challenge facing Air India, stating that the turnaround process could take up to a decade. Despite the setbacks, Strickland believes that Gebremariam is the most suitable candidate for the role, given his proven track record and the strong foundation left by Wilson.
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