Ex-Ethiopian Air chief Tewolde Gebremariam becomes Air India CEO

Delhi: Air India has appointed Tewolde Gebremariam, the ex-Chairman of Ethiopian Airlines, as its new CEO and Managing Director, succeeding Campbell Wilson. Prior to his current role, Gebremariam spent over three decades with Ethiopian Airlines, serving in various capacities, including as the regional director for India and South Asia from 1995-96.

In March 2022, he left the Ethiopian group to become a senior strategic advisor to US carrier Delta. Interestingly, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) had also chosen Gebremariam as their CEO. Gebremariam's appointment to Air India comes as the airline looks to revive and expand following its recent acquisition by the Tata Group in January 2022.

Despite facing numerous challenges, including legacy issues, post-COVID supply chain constraints, and airspace limitations, Air India believes Gebremariam's extensive experience in managing large-scale airline turnarounds, maintaining safety and service standards, and driving profitable expansion makes him the ideal leader for the next phase of growth.

Chairman N Chandrasekaran stated that with Campbell Wilson's guidance, Air India had successfully completed the initial phase of stabilization, fleet commitments, and integration. Gebremariam's appointment is seen as a crucial step in the airline's execution and expansion efforts. Gebremariam expressed his excitement about building a world-class global airline and working with the board, employees, and all relevant partners to deliver exceptional operational reliability, Indian hospitality, and sustained long-term growth.