Air India names Tewolde after PIA move stalled

Air India has appointed Tewolde Gebremariam as CEO and managing director after he was earlier lined up for the top role at Pakistan International Airlines. The move shifts him from a reported PIA turnaround plan to Air India's next growth phase under the Tata Group.Air India aims for growth, better service and global expansion under the new leadership. (Photo: ITG)Air India's new CEO almost ended up across the border. Yes, you read that right. Former Ethiopian Airlines chief Tewolde Gebremariam, who has now been appointed CEO and Managing Director of Air India, had earlier been tipped to take charge of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), which was reportedly waiting for security clearances before announcing him as its chief executive.He was weeks away from taking charge of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), according to media reports, before the Tata Group-owned carrier secured his appointment.In July, reports had suggested that PIA had selected the veteran airline executive to lead its post-privatisation turnaround, but the appointment was never formally announced. PIA WAS WAITING TO ANNOUNCE HIS NAMETewolde had emerged as the preferred choice to head Pakistan International Airlines after the airline's management was transferred to a consortium led by Arif Habib Group.Bloomberg had reported that he was shortlisted for the role, while Arab News, citing unnamed sources, said PIA was awaiting mandatory security clearances before making the appointment public. A senior PIA official had told Arab News that the airline "would not announce his name until all the security clearances are completed", while a major shareholder described Tewolde as "a very capable person" who "has done a lot of turnarounds".The plan was for Tewolde to lead PIA's revival through fleet modernisation, network expansion and operational reforms after its privatisation.AIR INDIA MOVED FIRSTInstead of taking charge at Pakistan's flag carrier, Tewolde was appointed CEO and Managing Director of Air India following what the airline described as a global search for a leader with experience in large-scale airline transformation, operational excellence, safety management and profitable expansion.Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran said 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."He added that Tewolde's operational expertise, focus on safety and experience in developing aviation hubs would be crucial as Air India enters its next phase of growth under the Tata Group.WHO IS TEWOLDE GEBREMARIAM?Tewolde served as CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group from 2011 until his retirement in March 2022.During his tenure, Ethiopian Airlines expanded into Africa's largest airline group, significantly growing its fleet, international route network and maintenance capabilities while establishing Addis Ababa as one of Africa's leading aviation hubs. His leadership also saw improvements in profitability and the airline's global competitiveness.He stepped down in 2022 citing health reasons after nearly four decades with Ethiopian Airlines.Accepting the role, Tewolde said it was "a profound honour" to lead Air India at a historic stage in its transformation.He said he looked forward to delivering "exceptional operational reliability, warm Indian hospitality, and sustained long-term growth."Air India said the leadership transition marks the airline's shift from its stabilisation phase to a new chapter focused on profitability, global expansion, improved passenger experience and stronger international connectivity. The airline also thanked outgoing CEO Campbell Wilson for overseeing fleet modernisation, merger integration and governance reforms.- EndsPublished On: Aug 6, 2026 10:06 IST