Air India names former Ethiopian Airlines chief as new CEO: Who is Tewolde Gebremariam?
Air India on August 5 announced the appointment of Tewolde Gebremariam as its next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director (MD). The airline's Board of Directors approved the appointment, with Gebremariam set to succeed Campbell Wilson, who has led the airline since 2022.
The leadership change comes as Air India continues its long-term transformation under Tata Group ownership while also dealing with operational challenges and heightened regulatory scrutiny following the 2025 Air India crash.
Who is Tewolde Gebremariam?
Tewolde Gebremariam is one of the aviation industry's most experienced airline executives.
He joined Ethiopian Airlines in the early 1980s and spent nearly four decades with the carrier, rising through operational and leadership roles before becoming Group CEO in 2011.
During his tenure, Ethiopian Airlines expanded into Africa's largest airline by fleet size, destinations and revenue. The airline significantly increased its passenger and cargo operations, expanded its global route network, modernised its fleet and strengthened its aviation training and maintenance capabilities.
He stepped down in March 2022, citing personal health reasons.
Why Air India appointed him
Air India is in the middle of one of the world's biggest airline transformation programmes following its return to Tata Group ownership in 2022.
The airline is modernising its fleet through one of aviation's largest aircraft orders, integrating operations with other Tata Group airlines, improving customer experience and expanding its international presence.
Industry observers view Gebremariam's experience in transforming Ethiopian Airlines into a globally competitive carrier as a key reason behind his appointment.
Campbell Wilson, formerly with Singapore Airlines, was appointed CEO in 2022 to oversee Air India's revival after its return to the Tata Group.
Air India said Wilson had informed Chairman N. Chandrasekaran in 2024 of his intention to step down during 2026, making the leadership transition part of a planned succession.
Challenges awaiting the new CEO
Gebremariam takes charge at a difficult time for the airline.
Air India continues to face operational disruptions caused by regional conflicts affecting flight routes, increased operating costs and enhanced regulatory oversight following the fatal Air India crash in 2025.
The airline is also working to improve reliability, strengthen safety systems and successfully execute its ambitious fleet expansion and network growth plans.
What happens next?
As CEO and Managing Director, Gebremariam will oversee Air India's next phase of growth, including fleet induction, network expansion, operational improvements and the airline's broader integration strategy under the Tata Group.
His appointment marks one of the most significant leadership changes at Air India since its privatisation and signals the airline's continued focus on building a globally competitive full-service carrier.