Gebremariam succeeds Campbell Wilson at a time when Air India is moving beyond its initial turnaround and into a new phase focused on expansion, operational excellence and long-term profitability
Air India has appointed Tewolde Gebremariam as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director (MD), handing the reins of the Tata Group-owned airline to one of the aviation industry’s most experienced leaders.
Gebremariam succeeds Campbell Wilson at a time when Air India is moving beyond its initial turnaround and into a new phase focused on expansion, operational excellence and long-term profitability.
The airline’s Board said it selected him after an extensive global search, citing his experience in leading large-scale airline operations and delivering sustained growth.
Having spent nearly four decades in aviation, Gebremariam is widely known for transforming Ethiopian Airlines into Africa’s largest and one of its most successful airline groups. His appointment is expected to play a key role in Air India’s ambition to emerge as a leading global carrier.
A career that began in cargo operations
Gebremariam’s journey in aviation began in 1985 when he joined Ethiopian Airlines in its cargo traffic handling department. Over the years, he rose through the ranks, eventually becoming Manager of Cargo Traffic Handling.
His career later took him to several international assignments. He served as Regional Director for India and Southeast Asia, based in Mumbai, before moving to Jeddah as Area Manager for Saudi Arabia. When Ethiopian Airlines launched direct services to the United States, he was appointed Area Sales Manager for the northeastern US and Canada, based in New York.
More from BusinessThese overseas roles gave him experience in managing international markets and expanding the airline’s global network.
Rise to the top at Ethiopian Airlines
Gebremariam entered the airline’s senior leadership in 2004 when he was appointed Executive Officer for Marketing and Sales. Two years later, he became Chief Operating Officer, overseeing key divisions including commercial operations, flight operations, customer services, and maintenance and engineering.
On January 1, 2011, he took over as Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines. During his tenure, the airline underwent rapid expansion, growing its international network, fleet and revenues while establishing itself as one of Africa’s leading aviation brands.
Air India has credited him with building efficient airline operations, strengthening safety standards, expanding long-haul connectivity and developing world-class maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities.
Global aviation roles and academic background
Beyond Ethiopian Airlines, Gebremariam has held several important positions in the international aviation sector. He has served on the Board of Governors of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the executive committee of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), and the United Nations Secretary-General’s High-level Advisory Group on Sustainable Transport.
He has also been a board member of several organisations, including Ethio Telecom, the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, the Ethiopian Railway Corporation and the Ethiopian Tourism Organization.
Gebremariam holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Addis Ababa University and a master’s degree in Business Administration from the Open University in the United Kingdom.
With his extensive international experience and decades in airline management, Air India is betting that Gebremariam can lead the carrier through its next phase of growth as it seeks to strengthen its global presence and improve operational performance.
