Air India has appointed former Ethiopian Airlines chief Tewolde Gebremariam as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director (MD), marking a leadership transition as the Tata Group-owned airline navigates financial challenges and heightened regulatory scrutiny following last year's fatal plane crash.
Gebremariam succeeds Campbell Wilson, who had been leading the airline since 2022.
Leadership transition at Air India
Air India announced Gebremariam's appointment on Wednesday, confirming that he will take over as the airline's CEO and MD. He replaces Campbell Wilson, the former Singapore Airlines executive who was appointed after the Tata Group acquired Air India to spearhead its transformation.
The airline had previously stated that Wilson informed Chairman N Chandrasekaran in 2024 of his intention to step down this year.
Airline faces mounting challenges
Gebremariam assumes leadership at a time when Air India is dealing with several significant challenges.
The airline has been under increased regulatory oversight since the 2025 plane crash, with the incident leading to closer scrutiny of its operations.
Alongside regulatory pressures, Air India has continued to report financial losses.
Operational hurdles continue
In addition to these challenges, the airline has been impacted by disruptions linked to the conflict in the Middle East, which have increased operating costs and affected flight schedules.
The closure of Pakistan's airspace for Indian carriers has further added to Air India's operational difficulties.
With Gebremariam now at the helm, the airline enters a new phase under fresh leadership.
He takes charge as Air India works to address operational disruptions, financial pressures and heightened regulatory oversight while continuing its long-term transformation under the Tata Group.
