Air India announced the resignation of its Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Campbell Wilson, on April 7, 2026. Wilson, a New Zealand national who joined in July 2022 after 26 years at Singapore Airlines, informed Chairman N. Chandrasekaran of his plan to step down in 2026 back in 2024. He has since focused on stabilizing the organization and leadership team for the transition and will remain in the role until a successor is appointed.
In a statement, Wilson highlighted key achievements over the past four years since Air India's privatization, including the merger of four airlines, a shift to private sector practices, leadership renewal, and cultural changes. The airline modernized systems, launched new products, raised service standards, and added 100 aircraft to its fleet. The refit of legacy narrowbody aircraft is nearly complete, with widebody deliveries featuring custom interiors now starting. New infrastructure, such as South Asia's largest training academy, flight simulators, a flying school, and a maintenance repair base, has been established.
Wilson noted that with these foundations in place ahead of major aircraft deliveries from 2027, the timing is right for a new leader. Chairman Chandrasekaran praised Wilson's leadership amid challenges like post-Covid supply issues, geopolitical headwinds, and other pressures. The board has formed a committee to identify a successor in the coming months.