Air India has appointed former Ethiopian Airlines chief Tewolde Gebremariam as its new chief executive and managing director, handing one of Africa’s most accomplished aviation leaders the task of steering India’s loss-making flag carrier through a difficult turnaround.
The East African executive replaces New Zealand-born Campbell Wilson, who resigned in April after four years in charge and will serve out his notice until September 30.
Gebremariam takes over as the airline enters a critical phase of restructuring amid widening losses, operational disruptions and increased regulatory scrutiny following the fatal crash of an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner in June 2025.
Air India said Gebremariam would lead its next phase of execution and expansion after an initial restructuring that included the merger with Vistara, a brand overhaul and major aircraft commitments.
“Having completed the initial phase of stabilisation, integration and fleet commitments under Campbell’s guidance, Air India is now entering a critical execution and expansion era. Tewolde’s track record in building one of the world’s most efficient and profitable airlines makes him uniquely suited to lead Air India,” Tata Sons Chair N. Chandrasekaran said in a statement.
