Air India has chosen Tewolde Gebremariam as its next chief executive officer and managing director, replacing Campbell Wilson at the head of the Tata Group-owned airline. The former Ethiopian Airlines Group chief will take charge as Air India works through a demanding turnaround, with fleet renewal, network integration and tighter operational performance all under pressure.
The board selected Gebremariam after a global search that considered both internal and external candidates. Tata Sons chairman N. Chandrasekaran has framed the leadership change as part of Air India’s shift from stabilisation and integration into a phase focused on execution and expansion.
Gebremariam led Ethiopian Airlines Group from 2011 to 2022 and is widely regarded as a turnaround specialist with experience in large-scale airline transformation, safety management and hub development. His appointment comes as Air India continues to face financial losses and regulatory scrutiny following last year’s fatal crash, while also pushing ahead with a broader renewal programme under Tata ownership.