Air India appoints Tewolde Gebremariam as CEO & MD

Air India has appointed Tewolde Gebremariam as its Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, succeeding Campbell Wilson, as the airline enters the next phase of its transformation under the Tata Group.

The appointment follows a global search by Air India’s Board, which sought a leader with a proven track record in large-scale airline turnarounds, operational excellence, safety, and profitable growth. The move comes as Air India shifts from its foundational turnaround to an execution-driven phase focused on global expansion.

Steering the airline into the future

The appointment is less about finding another airline CEO, and more about hiring one of aviation’s most respected builders.

Under Gebremariam’s leadership between 2011 and 2022, Ethiopian Airlines transformed into Africa’s largest and most profitable airline group. Under his leadership, the airline’s revenue grew more than fourfold, its fleet nearly tripled, and it significantly expanded its international network while strengthening MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) and aviation training capabilities.

His experience in building global hub operations, driving operational reliability, and fostering a high-performance, customer-centric culture is expected to support Air India’s ambitions of becoming a world-class global carrier. Perhaps more importantly, he steered Ethiopian Airlines through multiple crises, including the grounding of the Boeing 737 MAX after the 2019 crash and the COVID-19 pandemic, where the airline rapidly pivoted toward cargo operations while competitors burned cash.

Commenting on the appointment, N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons and Air India, said, “Having completed the initial phase of stabilization, 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.”

Gebremariam said he was honoured to lead Air India at a defining moment in its journey, adding that he looks forward to building a world-class airline that reflects India’s growing global stature while delivering operational reliability, warm Indian hospitality, and sustainable long-term growth. Under Gebremariam’s leadership, the airline aims to continue strengthening international connectivity, customer experience, and India’s position as a leading global aviation hub.