Air India has appointed Tewolde Gebremariam, the former Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines Group, as its new Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, succeeding Campbell Wilson. The appointment marks a significant leadership change as the Tata Group-owned airline enters the next phase of its long-term transformation and expansion strategy.
Gebremariam is widely recognised as one of the aviation industry’s most accomplished leaders. During his tenure at Ethiopian Airlines, he transformed the carrier into Africa’s largest and one of the continent’s most profitable airlines, expanding its international network, modernising its fleet and steering it through major industry challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the Boeing 737 MAX crisis.
He replaces Campbell Wilson, who oversaw Air India’s early transformation after the Tata Group reacquired the airline in 2022, including a new brand identity, fleet modernisation plans and the merger with Vistara. Gebremariam now takes charge at a crucial time, with Air India working to improve operational performance, expand globally and strengthen customer experience amid heightened regulatory scrutiny and financial challenges.
Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran described the appointment as a key step in Air India’s journey to becoming a world-class global airline. Industry observers believe Gebremariam’s proven turnaround experience and global aviation expertise make him well-positioned to accelerate the carrier’s next phase of growth.
