Air India names Tewolde Gebremariam CEO, replacing Campbell Wilson
Synopsis
Air India has turned to the man who built Ethiopian Airlines into Africa's most profitable carrier to rescue one of India's most troubled aviation stories. Tewolde Gebremariam inherits a $2.8 billion annual loss, a fatal crash investigation, and a route network battered by geopolitical disruption — making this one of the most high-stakes CEO appointments in Indian aviation history.
Key Takeaways
Air India appointed Tewolde Gebremariam , former CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group , as its new CEO and Managing Director on Wednesday .
He replaces Campbell Wilson , who had led Air India since 2022 following the Tata Group takeover.
Air India reported a loss of $2.8 billion for financial year 2025-26 , according to Singapore Airlines' annual report.
The airline is also under investigation following a Boeing Dreamliner crash at Ahmedabad airport in which 260 people lost their lives.
Gebremariam grew Ethiopian Airlines' revenue more than fourfold and fleet size nearly threefold during his tenure.
Gebremariam's onboarding timeline and transition schedule are yet to be formally announced.
Air India on Wednesday appointed Tewolde Gebremariam, former chief of Ethiopian Airlines Group, as its new Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, replacing Campbell Wilson. The leadership change arrives at a turbulent moment for the Tata Group-owned carrier, which is grappling with mounting losses and the aftermath of a fatal Boeing Dreamliner crash at Ahmedabad airport that claimed 260 lives.
Why the Leadership Change
Campbell Wilson, a former Singapore Airlines executive, had taken charge as CEO and Managing Director in 2022 after the Tata Group acquired the loss-making, government-owned airline. Air India had disclosed earlier that Wilson was keen to step down, prompting a global search for his successor. The airline's board unanimously selected Gebremariam following what it described as an intensive evaluation process.
The transition also comes as Air India faces an ongoing investigation into the Ahmedabad Dreamliner crash and has been forced to cancel several international flights in recent months — first due to the closure of Pakistan's airspace, and then because of the Middle East conflict — both of which have weighed heavily on its revival plans.
Who Is Tewolde Gebremariam
During his decade-plus tenure as CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group, Gebremariam spearheaded a multi-billion-dollar expansion that transformed a regional carrier into Africa's largest and most profitable airline group, growing revenue by more than fourfold and fleet size nearly threefold, according to the Air India statement. His expertise spans complex operational management, cultural transformation, competitive global hub development, and world-class MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) and aviation training infrastructure.
What the Tata Group Said
Tata Sons and Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran said: 'Having completed the initial phase of stabilisation, integration, and fleet commitments under Campbell's guidance, Air India is now entering a critical execution and expansion era. Tewolde's track record in building one of the world's most efficient and profitable airline groups makes him uniquely suited to lead Air India. His operational expertise, commitment to safety, and vision for hub development will be instrumental as we establish Air India as a premier global carrier and a source of national pride.'
Air India said that under Gebremariam's leadership, the airline will work closely with civil aviation authorities and regulators to strengthen India's position as a premier global aviation hub, enhance international connectivity, and maintain the highest benchmarks of aviation safety and compliance.
Air India's Financial Position
The scale of the challenge facing the incoming CEO is significant. Air India posted a loss of $2.8 billion for the financial year 2025-26, according to the annual report of Singapore Airlines — a minority stakeholder — released recently. This comes on top of operational disruptions from geopolitical headwinds that have curtailed international routes.
What Happens Next
The Air India board also acknowledged Wilson's contributions, noting that he oversaw complex merger and integration processes, initiated a massive fleet modernisation programme, and established new corporate governance standards. Further details on Gebremariam's onboarding timeline and the transition schedule are expected to be shared in due course. The airline says it now enters its next phase with 'strategic clarity, robust capital backing, and world-class leadership at the helm.'
Point of View
An active crash investigation, and route disruptions from two separate geopolitical flashpoints would test any world-class operator. Gebremariam's record is genuine, but Ethiopian Airlines' growth unfolded in a far less regulated, less competitive environment than the Indian market. The harder question is whether a turnaround playbook built in Addis Ababa translates to an airline caught between legacy debt, Indigo's domestic dominance, and the unresolved reputational damage of Ahmedabad.
NationPress
6 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Tewolde Gebremariam, Air India's new CEO?
Tewolde Gebremariam is the former Chief Executive of Ethiopian Airlines Group, under whose leadership the carrier became Africa's largest and most profitable airline, growing revenue more than fourfold and fleet size nearly threefold. He was appointed Air India's CEO and Managing Director following a board-led global search to replace Campbell Wilson.
Why did Campbell Wilson leave Air India?
Campbell Wilson, who had led Air India since 2022 after the Tata Group's acquisition, was reported to be keen to step down from the top post. Air India had publicly acknowledged the search for his successor before the appointment of Gebremariam was finalised.
What are the financial challenges facing Air India's new CEO?
Air India posted a loss of $2.8 billion for the financial year 2025-26, according to Singapore Airlines' annual report. The airline has also been forced to cancel several international flights due to Pakistan's airspace closure and the ongoing Middle East conflict, both of which have disrupted its revival plans.
What is the Ahmedabad Boeing Dreamliner crash and how does it affect Air India?
An Air India Boeing Dreamliner crashed at Ahmedabad airport, resulting in the deaths of 260 people. An investigation into the incident is ongoing, adding regulatory and reputational pressure on the airline at a critical juncture in its turnaround.
When will Tewolde Gebremariam formally take charge at Air India?
Air India has stated that further details regarding the exact onboarding timeline and transition schedule will be shared in due course. No specific start date has been announced as of Wednesday's statement.
