Air India Appoints Tewolde Gebremariam as CEO and Managing Director, Succeeding Campbell Wilson

Air India has appointed Tewolde Gebremariam as its Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, succeeding Campbell Wilson, the airline's Board of Directors announced on August 5, 2026. The appointment follows a global search overseen by a dedicated Board committee, which evaluated internal and external candidates for the leadership role. The Board said Gebremariam was selected for his experience in airline turnarounds, operational management, safety, service and profitable expansion as Air India moves from its initial stabilisation phase towards a period of growth and execution.

Gebremariam previously served as CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group for more than a decade, during which he led a multi-billion-dollar expansion that turned the airline into Africa's largest, most profitable and decorated airline group, according to Air India's announcement. During his tenure, revenue increased more than fourfold and the fleet nearly tripled. His experience also includes international long-haul networks, hub operations, MRO and aviation training infrastructure, workforce development and operational reliability. Air India said the new leadership is expected to focus on international connectivity, safety, operational performance, customer service and the development of India as a global aviation hub.

Leadership change at Air India

The appointment marks a change in leadership as Tewolde Gebremariam succeeds Campbell Wilson. The Board said the search focused on finding a leader capable of managing the airline's next stage after its stabilisation, integration and fleet commitments. Gebremariam's experience at Ethiopian Airlines was cited as a major factor in the selection. The exact onboarding timeline and transition schedule have not yet been disclosed.

Leadership detail	Information
New CEO and MD	Tewolde Gebremariam
Previous CEO and MD	Campbell Wilson
Appointment announced	August 5, 2026
Selection process	Global search overseen by Board committee
Previous major role	CEO, Ethiopian Airlines Group
Next focus	Growth and profitable execution

Tewolde Gebremariam's Ethiopian Airlines record

Gebremariam led Ethiopian Airlines Group for more than a decade and oversaw a multi-billion-dollar expansion during his tenure. Air India said the airline's revenue grew more than fourfold and its fleet size nearly tripled under his leadership. His experience also included the development of global hubs, MRO facilities and aviation training infrastructure. The company described his record in operational management and profitability as a major reason for his appointment.

Air India's next phase of growth

The Board said Air India has completed an initial phase involving stabilisation, integration and fleet commitments and is now moving towards a high-growth and profitable execution phase. Gebremariam is expected to bring experience in expanding long-haul international networks and building hub operations. The airline also highlighted his focus on safety standards, engineering quality, operational reliability and workforce development.

Focus on international connectivity and operations

Under the new leadership, Air India plans to accelerate its focus on on-time performance, modern aircraft cabins, hospitality and global connectivity. The airline also intends to work with civil aviation authorities and regulators to support India's ambition of becoming a major global aviation hub. The announcement did not provide specific targets for fleet expansion, passenger traffic or international routes under Gebremariam.

Employee training and talent development

Air India said people will remain an important part of its transformation, with continued emphasis on training, career development and a performance-focused work environment. The approach covers employees across flight operations, ground operations, engineering and corporate functions. Gebremariam's previous experience in workforce upskilling and talent development is expected to support this focus.

Campbell Wilson's tenure

The Board thanked Campbell Wilson for his leadership during Air India's revitalisation phase. According to the airline, Wilson oversaw complex merger and integration processes, initiated large-scale fleet modernisation programmes and established new corporate governance standards. The Board said these steps created the foundation for the airline's next phase.

Key areas to watch

The transition comes as Air India moves from its foundational turnaround phase towards expansion and execution. Investors and the aviation industry will be watching operational reliability, international network growth, safety standards and customer service under the new CEO. The airline's ability to develop its hub operations and strengthen its workforce will also be relevant as it seeks to expand its global presence.

Outlook

The appointment of Tewolde Gebremariam as Air India's CEO and Managing Director puts an executive with extensive airline expansion and turnaround experience at the helm of the carrier's next phase. His record at Ethiopian Airlines, including more than fourfold revenue growth and nearly threefold fleet expansion during his tenure, provides the experience Air India's Board was seeking. The immediate focus will be on the leadership transition, operational execution, international connectivity, safety and the airline's move towards sustained profitable growth.

Who is the new CEO of Air India?

Tewolde Gebremariam has been appointed as Air India's Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, succeeding Campbell Wilson.

When was Tewolde Gebremariam appointed as Air India CEO?

Air India's Board announced his appointment on August 5, 2026.

Who was the previous Air India CEO?

Campbell Wilson was the previous CEO and Managing Director of Air India. He led the airline during its initial revitalisation, integration and fleet modernisation phase.

Why did Air India appoint Tewolde Gebremariam?

Air India's Board selected Gebremariam for his experience in airline turnarounds, operational management, safety, international expansion and profitable growth.

What did Tewolde Gebremariam achieve at Ethiopian Airlines?

During his more than decade-long tenure as CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group, revenue grew more than fourfold and the airline's fleet size nearly tripled, according to Air India.

What will Tewolde Gebremariam focus on at Air India?

His focus is expected to include international connectivity, operational reliability, safety, hub development, customer service and profitable expansion.

What is Air India's next phase?

Air India said it is moving from its initial stabilisation, integration and fleet commitment phase into a high-growth and profitable execution phase.

What happened during Campbell Wilson's tenure?

Campbell Wilson oversaw merger and integration processes, fleet modernisation programmes and new corporate governance standards as part of Air India's revitalisation.

Will Air India expand its international network?

Air India has identified international long-haul network expansion and hub development as important areas under its next phase of growth. The airline has not disclosed specific new route or fleet targets in the announcement.

When will Tewolde Gebremariam officially take charge?

Air India said that further details about his onboarding timeline and transition schedule will be shared later.

What are the main priorities for Air India under its new CEO?

The airline has highlighted on-time performance, aircraft cabins, hospitality, global connectivity, safety and employee development as areas of focus under its new leadership.