5 Things to Know About the New Air India CEO – Tewolde Gebremariam

Air India has entered a new leadership era with Tewolde Gebremariam taking over as CEO. With over a decade of experience running one of the world’s most efficient airline groups, seasoned aviation executive Tewolde Gebremariam brings deep operational expertise to the role. He has been appointed succeeding Campbell Wilson and opening a new chapter for the Tata-owned carrier.Gebremariam takes charge as Air India moves beyond its initial turnaround phase into a period of high growth and international expansion, with a fleet of 191 aircraft and an integrated network built from four airlines merged into two. Here is a look at five things to know about the man set to lead Air India’s next phase.

Tewolde Gebremariam, new CEO and Managing Director, Air India, 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 growth.”

Here’s a look at five key things to know about him.

1. Start of His Career

Gebremariam’s aviation career has been closely tied to Ethiopian Airlines, where he rose through commercial and operating leadership roles before taking charge as Group CEO. His earlier career also included an assignment in India, giving him direct, if dated, exposure to the country’s aviation market. This ground-up trajectory through commercial and operational functions is seen as central to the hands-on leadership approach he now brings to Air India.

2. Leading Ethiopian Airlines for Over a Decade

Gebremariam served as CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group for more than ten years, during which he oversaw a multi-billion-dollar expansion that transformed a regional carrier into Africa’s largest and most profitable airline group. Under his leadership, annual turnover grew from USD 1 billion to USD 4.5 billion, the fleet expanded from 33 to 130 aircraft, and annual passenger numbers rose from 3 million to 12 million before the Covid-19 pandemic, according to figures from Ethiopian Airlines.

3. Achievements

Gebremariam is widely regarded as one of aviation’s most successful chief executives, credited with growing Ethiopian Airlines’ revenue more than fourfold and nearly tripling its fleet size. His work extended beyond fleet growth to building competitive global hubs and developing world-class maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) and aviation training infrastructure, capabilities Air India is looking to replicate.

4. Why Does His Appointment Matter?

Gebremariam’s appointment comes as Air India shifts from stabilization and fleet integration into a critical execution and expansion era. The Board conducted a global search evaluating internal and external candidates before selecting him, citing his track record in building one of the world’s most efficient and profitable airline groups as uniquely suited to Air India’s next phase, with priorities including operational reliability, safety and hub development.

5. Current Role

As CEO and Managing Director, Gebremariam will oversee Air India’s overall management and strategic direction, with a mandate to strengthen operational reliability, on-time performance, modern aircraft cabins and global connectivity. His responsibilities include working with Chairman N. Chandrasekaran, the Board and employees to convert recent fleet and technology investments into a consistent, financially sustainable global operation.