Air India Names Tewolde Gebremariam as New CEO & MD; Former Ethiopian Airlines Chief Replaces Campbell Wilson

Wilson's departure comes ahead of the completion of his original five-year tenure. However, the company said he had informed Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran in 2024 of his intention to step down in 2026 and agreed to continue until a suitable successor was appointed, ensuring a smooth leadership transition.

Who Is Tewolde Gebremariam? Air India's New CEO

Tewolde Gebremariam is regarded as one of the aviation industry's most experienced executives, bringing 37 years of experience to Air India. He previously served as the longest-serving Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines Group, leading the airline for 11 years. During his leadership, Ethiopian Airlines witnessed remarkable expansion across financial performance, passenger traffic and international connectivity.

According to details shared on his professional profile, the airline's annual revenue grew from USD 1 billion to USD 5 billion, while annual net profit reached USD 1 billion in 2022. Passenger traffic increased from 3 million to 12 million, cargo volumes expanded from 160 tons to 760 tons, and the airline's international network doubled from 64 destinations to 128 destinations. Over the same period, the workforce also grew significantly from 6,300 employees to nearly 17,000.

Gebremariam holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics, earned in 1993, and later completed an MBA from The Open University in 1999. His appointment is expected to play a central role in shaping Air India's ambitions of becoming a leading global aviation carrier under the Tata Group.

N. Chandrasekaran Backs Tewolde Gebremariam to Lead Air India's Next Chapter

Welcoming the appointment, Tata Sons and Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran said the airline has successfully completed the first phase of its turnaround and is now moving into an execution-driven stage focused on expansion.

He said the company had already made substantial progress in stabilising operations, integrating businesses and committing to fleet expansion under Wilson's leadership. According to Chandrasekaran, Gebremariam's experience in building one of the world's most efficient and profitable airline groups, coupled with his strong operational expertise, safety-first approach and vision for developing global aviation hubs, makes him well-positioned to lead Air India through its next phase of growth.

Responding to his appointment, Gebremariam described the opportunity as a defining moment in his career. He said Air India possesses a rich legacy and enormous potential to evolve into a world-class global airline that reflects India's rapidly expanding economy.

Air India Thanks Campbell Wilson for Leading Airline's Revival

The Air India Board also acknowledged Campbell Wilson's contribution during one of the airline's most important transition periods.During his tenure, Wilson oversaw the integration of multiple airline businesses, initiated one of the industry's largest fleet modernisation programmes, introduced stronger corporate governance practices and laid the operational foundation for Air India's long-term transformation under Tata Group ownership.

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