Air India names former Ethiopian Airlines head Tewolde Gebremariam as CEO
Air India has announced the appointment of former Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Tewolde Gebremariam as its new chief executive and managing director, four months after
Air India has announced the appointment of former Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Tewolde Gebremariam as its new chief executive and managing director, four months after Campbell Wilson resigned, as the Tata Group-owned carrier enters the next phase of its transformation focused on expansion and profitability. The appointment follows a global search overseen by a committee of Air India's board, which evaluated both internal and external candidates before unanimously selecting Gebremariam. He will formally assume charge once his appointment receives security clearance from the ministry of home affairs and the bureau of civil aviation security, a mandatory requirement for all airline CEOs in India. The regulatory vetting is a sensitive step for Air India. Prior to Campbell Wilson’s appointment, the airline had selected former Turkish Airlines chairman Ilker Ayci for the role. However, Ayci declined the position weeks before taking office following widespread pushback over his political ties. The leadership change also sets the stage for a new contest in Indian aviation. With India's two largest airlines now led by globally recognised aviation executives—Air India by Gebremariam and IndiGo by former International Air Transport Association director general Willie Walsh—the country's aviation market enters a new phase of competition centred on international expansion and operational excellence. While Air India took four months to name a new CEO, Walsh’s appointment in March came three weeks after Pieter Elbers abruptly stepped down from the position at IndiGo. Quick answers to key questions • 5 QUESTIONS 1 Who is Tewolde Gebremariam, the new CEO of Air India?
⌵ Tewolde Gebremariam is the former Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, where he led significant growth and operational improvements for over a decade. He has been appointed as the new CEO of Air India to drive its transformation and profitability. 2 Why did Air India appoint Tewolde Gebremariam as CEO? ⌵ Air India appointed Gebremariam due to his extensive experience in leading airline turnarounds and expanding international operations, which are crucial for Air India as it faces rising losses and increasing competition. 3 How did Tewolde Gebremariam contribute to the success of Ethiopian Airlines? ⌵ Under Gebremariam's leadership, Ethiopian Airlines' revenue grew from $1 billion in 2011 to $5 billion by 2022, and its fleet nearly tripled, establishing it as Africa's largest and most profitable airline. 4 What challenges is Air India facing under Tewolde Gebremariam's leadership? ⌵ Air India is tackling significant financial losses, operational disruptions due to geopolitical tensions, and the need for a long-term turnaround strategy as it aims to stabilize and expand its international operations. 5 Should Air India expect immediate results from Tewolde Gebremariam's leadership? ⌵ No, the chairman of Air India indicated that the airline's turnaround will likely take 5 to 10 years, acknowledging the formidable challenges that lie ahead. Also Read | Air India Express doubles borrowing limit amid geopolitical risks, fuel costs Track record Gebremariam, 61, led Ethiopian Airlines Group for more than a decade, during which time the airline became Africa's largest and most profitable carrier. Under his leadership, the group's revenue increased more than fourfold while its fleet nearly tripled, the company said in a press statement.
The BriefWire