Air India has named Tewolde Gebremariam, the former head of Ethiopian Airlines, as its new Managing Director and CEO, succeeding Campbell Wilson. Gebremariam, renowned for his significant role in the expansion and profitability of Ethiopian Airlines, is tasked with the critical challenge of turning around the loss-making Air India and navigating its growth amidst external pressures. His impressive career includes leading the airline's India operations and securing its position within the Star Alliance, suggesting a strategic vision for Air India's future.

Air India has named Tewolde Gebremariam, the former head of Ethiopian Airlines, as its new Managing Director and CEO, succeeding Campbell Wilson. Gebremariam, renowned for his significant role in the expansion and profitability of Ethiopian Airlines, is tasked with the critical challenge of turning around the loss-making Air India and navigating its growth amidst external pressures. His impressive career includes leading the airline's India operations and securing its position within the Star Alliance, suggesting a strategic vision for Air India's future.

Air India has named Tewolde Gebremariam, the former head of Ethiopian Airlines, as its new Managing Director and CEO, succeeding Campbell Wilson. Gebremariam, renowned for his significant role in the expansion and profitability of Ethiopian Airlines, is tasked with the critical challenge of turning around the loss-making Air India and navigating its growth amidst external pressures. His impressive career includes leading the airline's India operations and securing its position within the Star Alliance, suggesting a strategic vision for Air India's future.

Air India on Wednesday revealed that it has appointed former Ethiopian Airlines Group chief Tewolde Gebremariam as the next Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.

Gebremariam will replace Campbell Wilson, who announced his resignation in April this year. The New Zealander will step down next month, following which his Ethiopian successor will take over.

The CEO's appointment comes after rigorous evaluation of internal as well as highly accomplished external candidates from across the world, announced Air India. Gebremariam's biggest challenge will be overhaul of the loss-making Air India, which is working on expansion amid multiple external headwinds.

Who is Tewolde Gebremariam?

Tewolde Gebremariam, who has served as the CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group, is known for spearheading a multi-billion-dollar expansion of the regional African carrier's fleet from 33 to 130 aircraft. He transformed it into Africa's largest and most profitable airline by quadrupling the annual revenue to $4.5 billion.

He joined Ethiopian Airlines as a traffic officer in the 1980s. Soon, he was tasked with leading the India operations of Ethiopian Airlines, before being appointed head of operations in Saudi Arabia and later North America. He was promoted as Chief Operating Officer of the carrier in 2006 and five years later, he took over as CEO.

Gebremariam is also known for overseeing the establishment of Ethiopian Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa as well as helping Ethiopian Airlines become the third African carrier to join the Star Alliance, the largest global airline network connecting international routes seamlessly.

Why Tewolde Gebremariam did not join Pakistan's PIA?

In July, reports said the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) picked Gebremariam as its new CEO after the state-owned airline was privatised and taken over by Arif Habib Group-led consortium. However, his appointment was not finalised due to pending mandatory government security clearances.

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