Ethiopian Aviation Veteran Once Linked to Uganda Airlines Named Air India Chief Executive

What the report says

Nile Post reports that Tewolde Gebremariam, the former chief executive of Ethiopian Airlines, has been named CEO of Air India. The appointment was announced on Wednesday and puts a longtime aviation executive in charge of the Indian carrier as it works through a difficult turnaround marked by losses and closer regulatory oversight.

The report says Gebremariam had previously been among the candidates considered in Uganda Airlines’ search for a new chief executive after Jenifer Bamuturaki’s departure, before Garma Wake was appointed instead. Another Ethiopian aviation figure, Abeba Angessa, was also mentioned during that earlier search. Nile Post notes that Wake has since been credited with helping guide Uganda Airlines’ strategy.

At Air India, Gebremariam replaces Campbell Wilson, who stepped down after overseeing the airline’s early restructuring under Tata Group ownership. The publisher says the carrier is still facing major financial pressure and the aftermath of a fatal crash last year. Air India Group also reported a very large loss in its most recent financial year, underscoring the scale of the challenge.

Gebremariam is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most experienced airline leaders. Nile Post highlights his long tenure at Ethiopian Airlines, where he oversaw major growth and helped steer the company through the COVID-19 period and the Boeing 737 MAX crisis. The appointment also reflects the wider prominence of Ethiopian aviation executives in regional and global airline management.