Meet Tewolde Gebremariam, Air India's CEO pick to succeed Campbell Wilson

Air India has appointed veteran aviation executive Tewolde Gebremariam as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director (MD), marking a significant leadership transition as the Tata Group-owned airline continues its long-term transformation. He will take over from Campbell Wilson, who led the airline through the initial phase of its revival after Tata Group regained ownership in 2022.

Gebremariam brings decades of experience to the role, having spent more than 35 years with Ethiopian Airlines. During his career, he rose through the ranks to become the airline's Group CEO and earned recognition for turning the carrier into Africa's largest and one of its most successful airlines. Under his leadership, Ethiopian Airlines expanded its international presence across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas while significantly strengthening its financial performance and modernizing its fleet with new Airbus and Boeing aircraft. He also played a key role in developing Addis Ababa into a major global aviation hub connecting Africa with the rest of the world.

His tenure saw Ethiopian Airlines' international network grow from 64 to 128 destinations. During the same period, the airline's annual revenue increased from around $1 billion to nearly $5 billion, while passenger traffic rose from approximately 3 million to 12 million, reflecting the company's rapid expansion and growing global influence.

Gebremariam is also known for guiding the airline through some of the aviation industry's most difficult periods. He successfully led Ethiopian Airlines during the COVID-19 pandemic without relying on government financial assistance and managed the challenges that followed the fatal Boeing 737 MAX crash in 2019. His handling of both crises strengthened his reputation as a leader capable of navigating complex operational and business challenges.

After leaving Ethiopian Airlines, Gebremariam founded TGM Advisory Services LLC, where he provides strategic consulting to businesses in the aviation sector. He also serves as a Senior Strategic Advisor at Delta Air Lines. Beyond his corporate roles, he has contributed to the global aviation industry through leadership positions with the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), and the United Nations Secretary-General's High-level Advisory Group on Sustainable Transport.

Air India believes Gebremariam's appointment represents an important milestone in its ongoing transformation. Air India Chairman and Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran said the new CEO's extensive operational experience, strong focus on safety, and expertise in building successful aviation hubs make him the right person to lead the airline into its next phase of growth. Chandrasekaran has previously indicated that Air India's turnaround is a long-term effort that could take close to a decade to complete.

Campbell Wilson, who announced his resignation in April, will officially step down on September 30 after completing his notice period. Responding to his appointment, Gebremariam said he is eager to work with Air India's leadership team and employees to strengthen operational reliability, improve customer experience, and help the airline achieve its long-term vision of becoming a leading global carrier.