Air India has appointed former Ethiopian Airlines chief Tewolde Gebremariam as its new Chief Executive Officer, according to a Reuters report. The leadership change comes as the Tata Group-owned carrier continues its transformation while navigating financial challenges and heightened regulatory scrutiny.
According to a Reuters report, Air India on Wednesday named Tewolde Gebremariam as its new Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, succeeding Campbell Wilson, who had led the airline since 2022 following the Tata Group’s acquisition of the carrier.
Gebremariam brings more than four decades of aviation experience, having joined Ethiopian Airlines in 1985 as a Traffic Officer before rising through a series of commercial and operational leadership roles. During his career, he served as Regional Director for India and South East Asia, based in Mumbai, Executive Officer, Marketing and Sales, and Chief Operating Officer before being named CEO Designate in 2010.
He led Ethiopian Airlines Group as Chief Executive Officer from January 2011 to March 2022, overseeing a period of significant expansion. Under his leadership, the airline grew into Africa’s largest carrier, with annual revenue increasing from about US$ 1 bn to approximately US$ 4.5 bn, while its fleet expanded from 33 aircraft to around 130 aircraft. Passenger traffic also increased from about 3 million to nearly 12 million before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gebremariam also spearheaded Ethiopian Airlines’ Vision 2025 strategy, transforming the airline into a diversified aviation group spanning passenger and cargo operations, maintenance, aviation training, catering, and airport services. During his tenure, the airline strengthened its position within Star Alliance and gained recognition as one of Africa’s most consistently profitable carriers.
Leadership through industry crises
Gebremariam played a prominent role during two of aviation’s most challenging periods. Following the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 accident in 2019, he worked closely with regulators, addressed international media, and called for improvements in aircraft safety. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ethiopian Airlines rapidly converted passenger aircraft for cargo operations, enabling the airline to remain financially stronger than many global competitors.
Beyond the airline, he has served on the IATA Board of Governors, the Executive Committee of the African Airlines Association, and the Chief Executive Board of Star Alliance. He has also held roles with the Ethiopian Tourism Organisation and several public sector enterprises.
Reuters reported that Campbell Wilson had informed Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran in 2024 of his intention to step down during 2026.
Gebremariam assumes leadership as Air India continues its transformation programme while dealing with persistent losses and increased regulatory scrutiny following the 2025 crash that claimed 260 lives. The airline has also been managing operational disruptions linked to the conflict in the Middle East, which have added to operating costs.
He retired from Ethiopian Airlines in 2022 after more than a decade as Group Chief Executive Officer and has since remained active as a senior aviation adviser. His appointment at Air India marks a return to executive leadership at a pivotal stage in the airline’s transformation.
Air India has not yet announced any further details regarding Gebremariam’s transition or strategic priorities.
Rahul Bhadana is a digital editor at TravTalk with experience spanning multiple content niches, with a strong focus on travel trade journalism and digital publishing. A graduate of Delhi University, his work covers editorial writing, content strategy and platform-led storytelling, supporting TravTalk’s digital growth and industry engagement. A technology enthusiast, he enjoys films, poetry and exploring new ideas across media and culture.