Tewolde Gebremariam Named New Air India CEO Following Exit

Air India has appointed Tewolde Gebremariam as its new Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, marking a major leadership shift for the airline. Gebremariam, who previously led Ethiopian Airlines, steps into the role following the departure of former CEO Campbell Wilson. His appointment signals a clear intent by the carrier to leverage deep operational experience in steering large-scale airline turnarounds to further stabilize and expand its global market position.

The decision comes as Air India navigates a complex phase of fleet modernization and international service expansion. Gebremariam earned international recognition for his long tenure at Ethiopian Airlines, where he was widely credited with scaling the company into a dominant global carrier. His expertise in managing intricate logistics and regional connectivity is viewed as a strategic fit for Air India’s ongoing restructuring process under private ownership.

Stakeholders and the Indian aviation industry are watching the transition closely to see how Gebremariam addresses lingering service quality and efficiency challenges. His focus is expected to center on optimizing internal operations and strengthening international routes. This leadership change is considered a critical move to ensure Air India remains competitive against both established global airlines and the intensifying competition in the domestic low-cost carrier market segment.