Former Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Tewolde Gebremariam has been appointed Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Air India, weeks after his name emerged as a preferred candidate for the top position at Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).
Air India announced the appointment on Wednesday to lead the airline’s next phase of transformation under Tata Group ownership. The Air India board unanimously approved his appointment. It should be mentioned here that before his recent appointment, sources told ProPakistani that he was being considered for the top PIA seat but was never approached for the position.
Tewolde served as CEO of Ethiopian Airlines from 2011 to 2022, during which the carrier expanded significantly and became one of Africa’s leading aviation groups.
He also oversaw major investments in aircraft maintenance facilities, cargo operations, aviation training and infrastructure, helping position Addis Ababa as a key aviation hub connecting Africa with global markets.
His appointment comes as Air India continues a major restructuring program after Tata Group regained control of the airline in 2022.
Air India Group, including Air India, Air India Express and Vistara operations, currently operates more than 300 aircraft and serves over 100 destinations. The group has also placed orders for 570 Airbus and Boeing aircraft as part of its long-term expansion strategy.
Before joining Air India, Tewolde was reportedly considered by PIA’s privatization team as a potential candidate to lead Pakistan’s national airline following its planned privatization process.
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