Air India Appoints Former Ethiopian Airlines Chief Tewolde Gebremariam as CEO

Air India appointed former Ethiopian Airlines Group chief executive Tewolde Gebremariam as its new chief executive officer and managing director on August 5, 2026, according to The Reporter Ethiopia.

Gebremariam succeeds Campbell Wilson, who led Air India through a period that included its integration with Vistara, a brand overhaul and a large fleet-modernisation programme following the carrier’s return to Tata Group ownership.

The appointment places an Ethiopian aviation executive at the head of one of Asia’s largest airline restructuring and expansion efforts. Air India is seeking to improve operational reliability and execute its growth strategy while managing financial losses, airspace restrictions and heightened regulatory scrutiny.

Gebremariam led Ethiopian Airlines Group for more than a decade before stepping down in 2022. During that period, the carrier expanded its fleet, international network, Addis Ababa hub and aviation maintenance capacity. The Reporter said Ethiopian Airlines’ annual revenue reached $4.5 billion under his leadership and its fleet nearly tripled.

His tenure also covered the global grounding of the Boeing 737 MAX after the 2019 crash of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 and the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Air India’s board said the appointment followed a months-long international search. Gebremariam said he would work with the board, employees and government and industry partners to improve reliability and support long-term growth.

Wilson had served as chief executive since 2022. Air India’s board credited him with laying the groundwork for the airline’s restructuring before the transition to its next phase.