Air India has named Tewolde Gebremariam as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director (MD), marking a significant leadership transition as the Tata Group-owned airline enters the next phase of its long-term transformation.
The appointment comes at a time when the carrier is strengthening its position as an international full-service airline.
The airline’s Board of Directors announced that Gebremariam will succeed Campbell Wilson, who has led Air India since 2022 and played a key role in steering the airline through the initial years of its revival following Tata Group‘s acquisition.
Wilson‘s departure comes ahead of the completion of his original five-year tenure.
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.
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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, with annual revenue growing from USD 1 billion to USD 5 billion, and annual net profit reaching USD 1 billion in 2022.
Passenger traffic increased significantly, cargo volumes expanded, and the airline’s international network doubled from 64 destinations to 128 destinations.
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.
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They had already made substantial progress in stabilising operations, integrating businesses, and committing to fleet expansion under Wilson‘s leadership.
Chandrasekaran noted that 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.
Gebremariam described the opportunity as a defining moment in his career, saying Air India possesses a rich legacy and enormous potential to evolve into a world-class global airline that reflects India’s rapidly expanding economy.
The Air India Board 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 and initiated one of the industry’s largest fleet modernisation programmes.
