Mumbai: Air India has appointed Tewolde Gebremariam as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director, succeeding Campbell Wilson, marking a significant leadership transition as the Tata Group-owned airline enters the next phase of its transformation into a world-class global carrier.
The announcement was made by Air India’s Board of Directors, which said Tewolde Gebremariam was selected following a comprehensive global search overseen by a dedicated Board committee.
The committee evaluated both internal and external candidates before unanimously deciding that Gebremariam possesses the leadership, operational expertise, and strategic execution capabilities required to steer Air India through its next phase of growth.
According to the Board, the objective was to appoint a leader with a proven record in managing large-scale airline turnarounds, delivering operational excellence, promoting a strong culture of safety and customer service, and driving sustainable, profitable expansion.
Tewolde Gebremariam is widely regarded as one of the aviation industry’s most accomplished executives.
During his tenure of more than a decade as Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines Group, he led a multi-billion-dollar expansion that transformed the airline from a regional carrier into Africa’s largest, most profitable, and most awarded airline group. Under his leadership, the airline’s revenue increased by more than four times while its fleet nearly tripled in size.
Air India said Tewolde Gebremariam has extensive experience in managing complex airline operations, leading cultural transformation, developing globally competitive aviation hubs, and building world-class Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities along with aviation training infrastructure.
As Air India transitions from its foundational turnaround phase into a period focused on high growth and profitable execution, the airline believes Tewolde Gebremariam brings the critical capabilities needed for this stage.
His experience includes expanding international long-haul networks, developing world-class hub operations, maintaining strong safety standards, improving engineering quality and operational reliability, driving sustained profitability through changing economic cycles, and fostering workforce development with a customer-first culture.
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Commenting on the appointment, N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons and Air India, said: “On behalf of the Board, I am delighted to welcome Tewolde to Air India.
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 Gebremariam’s track record in building one of the world’s most efficient and profitable airline groups makes him uniquely suited to lead Air India.
His operational expertise, commitment to safety, and vision for hub development will be instrumental as we establish Air India as a premier global carrier and a source of national pride.”
Accepting the role, Tewolde Gebremariam, Incoming CEO & Managing Director, said: “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.
I look forward to working closely with Chairman Chandrasekaran, the Board, our employees, and all government and industry partners to deliver exceptional operational reliability, warm Indian hospitality, and sustained long-term growth.”
Air India stated that the appointment of Tewolde Gebremariam reinforces the airline’s commitment to India’s civil aviation ambitions and broader national economic vision.
Under his leadership, the airline intends to work closely with civil aviation authorities and regulators to strengthen India’s position as a leading global aviation hub, improve international connectivity, and maintain the highest standards of aviation safety and regulatory compliance.
The airline also emphasized that people remain central to its transformation.
Tewolde Gebremariam’s leadership philosophy focuses on employees across flight operations, engineering, ground services, and corporate functions through continued investment in training, career development, merit-based growth, accountability, and a culture of pride in the national carrier.
Passengers are expected to benefit from an accelerated focus on on-time performance, modern aircraft cabins, enhanced hospitality, and seamless global connectivity as Air India continues its transformation journey under Tewolde Gebremariam.
The Board also expressed its appreciation to outgoing CEO Campbell Wilson for leading Air India’s previous phase of revitalization.
During his tenure, he oversaw complex merger and integration processes, initiated major fleet modernization programmes, introduced new corporate governance standards, and laid the foundation for the airline’s long-term transformation.
With a strong foundation now established, Air India said it is entering a new era with strategic clarity, robust capital support, and experienced leadership.
The Board expressed confidence that under Tewolde Gebremariam, the airline will realize its ambition of becoming a premier global aviation powerhouse.
