Air India appoints former Ethiopian Airlines Chief Tewolde Gebremariam as CEO & MD

Announcing the appointment, the Tata-owned airline said Gebremariam's leadership marks "a pivotal juncture" in Air India's transformation into a world-class global carrier.

Veteran aviation leader to head Air India's next growth phase

Air India described Gebremariam as one of the aviation industry's most accomplished chief executives, crediting him with transforming Ethiopian Airlines Group from a regional carrier into Africa's largest, most profitable and globally recognised airline group.

The airline said his expertise includes managing complex airline operations, driving organisational transformation, developing global aviation hubs, and expanding Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) and aviation training infrastructure.

According to the company, Gebremariam also brings extensive experience in expanding international long-haul networks while maintaining high standards of safety, engineering excellence and operational reliability.

'Uniquely suited to lead Air India': N Chandrasekaran

Welcoming the appointment, Tata Sons and Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran said the airline is entering a crucial phase after completing its initial stabilisation and integration efforts.

"Having completed the initial phase of stabilisation, integration, and fleet commitments under Campbell's guidance, Air India is now entering a critical execution and expansion era. Tewolde's track record in building one of the world's most efficient and profitable airline groups makes him uniquely suited to lead Air India," he said.

He added that Gebremariam's operational expertise, commitment to safety and vision for hub development would help establish Air India as a premier global airline.

'A historic moment for Air India'

Expressing gratitude for his appointment, Gebremariam said leading Air India at this stage of its journey was both an honour and a unique opportunity.

"It is a profound honour to be entrusted with leading Air India at such a historic moment in its journey. Air India carries an incredible legacy, and the opportunity to build a world-class global airline that reflects India's extraordinary economic potential is uniquely exciting," he said.

He said he looked forward to working with the airline's leadership, employees and industry partners to improve operational reliability, strengthen customer service and drive long-term growth.

Board thanks outgoing CEO Campbell Wilson

The Air India board also acknowledged the contribution of outgoing CEO Campbell Wilson, who resigned in April after taking charge of the airline in 2022.

The company credited Wilson with overseeing Air India's complex merger and integration process, launching major fleet modernisation programmes, strengthening corporate governance and laying the foundation for the airline's long-term revival.

Who is Tewolde Gebremariam?

Tewolde Gebremariam brings nearly four decades of experience in the aviation sector and served as the longest-serving CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group, leading the airline for 11 years.

During his tenure, Ethiopian Airlines recorded significant growth, with annual revenue increasing from $1 billion to $5 billion, passenger traffic rising from 3 million to 12 million, and its international network expanding from 64 to 128 destinations.

The airline's workforce also grew from 6,300 to 17,000 employees, while cargo capacity increased substantially.

Gebremariam holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics and earned an MBA from The Open University in 1999.