MUMBAI— Air India (AI) is preparing for a leadership transition as its board meets in Mumbai to discuss key matters ahead of Tewolde Gebremariam taking charge as the airline’s new CEO and Managing Director. Mumbai (BOM) is hosting the meeting at the Tata Group headquarters, Bombay House.
Campbell Wilson, Air India’s current MD and CEO, is set to step down this month after leading the airline’s transformation since July 2022. The board is expected to discuss the incoming CEO’s salary structure and other matters during the meeting chaired by Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran.
Air India Board Reviews Leadership Transition
Air India’s board of directors is meeting in Mumbai as the Tata Group-owned airline prepares for a change at the top. Former Ethiopian Airlines Group chief Tewolde Gebremariam is expected to formally assume the CEO and MD role later this month.
The meeting is being chaired by N Chandrasekaran, who also serves as Chairman of Tata Sons. According to sources, the board is expected to consider the compensation and salary structure for Gebremariam as part of preparations for his appointment.
The leadership transition comes at a critical stage for Air India, which continues to implement a wide-ranging transformation programme following its return to Tata Group ownership.
Campbell Wilson is scheduled to leave his position this month. He became Air India’s MD and CEO in July 2022, several months after Tata Group completed its acquisition of the airline from the Indian government.
Campbell Wilson Set to Leave Air India
Wilson has been at the centre of Air India’s transformation under Tata Group ownership. During his tenure, the airline pursued changes across its fleet, network, customer proposition, operations and organisational structure.
The board is also expected to acknowledge Wilson’s contribution during the meeting. Sources said board members would thank him for his role in guiding the airline through a major restructuring period.
Wilson’s departure marks another significant change in Air India’s senior leadership as the airline works toward its longer-term transformation objectives.
The board includes Chandrasekaran and Wilson, along with independent directors Sanjiv Mehta, Alice G Vaidyan and P R Ramesh. P B Balaji and Goh Choon Phong serve as non-executive non-independent directors.
Tewolde Gebremariam Prepares to Take Charge
Gebremariam is expected to formally take over as Air India’s CEO and MD later this month. He previously served as chief executive of Ethiopian Airlines Group, where he led one of Africa’s largest and most internationally connected airline groups.
His arrival comes as Air India seeks to strengthen operational performance and improve financial and organisational efficiency.
During his first townhall address to Air India employees on September 7, Gebremariam outlined his approach to the airline’s next phase. He used the phrase Make Air India Great Again, or MAGA, while asking employees for their support and cooperation.
He also stressed the importance of reducing operational disruptions and improving day-to-day execution.
Gebremariam told employees that operational excellence depends on getting the basics right every day. The message places a strong focus on consistency, reliability and operational discipline as he prepares to take responsibility for the airline.
Safety and Cost Discipline Remain Priorities
N Chandrasekaran also addressed employees during the townhall and highlighted safety as a key priority for Air India.
He called for the airline to build a stronger culture of cost consciousness while continuing to focus on safety. These priorities come as Air India manages several challenges affecting its operations and financial performance.
The airline remains loss-making and has faced pressure from multiple factors, including geopolitical disruptions, airspace closures, fuel price volatility and operational challenges.
The fatal Air India AI171 accident in June last year also remains a major event in the airline’s recent history. The accident killed 260 people and added further pressure on the carrier as it works to strengthen safety and operational standards.
Tata Group Continues Air India Transformation
Tata Group completed its takeover of Air India from the Indian government in January 2022. The acquisition marked the return of the national carrier to private ownership after decades under government control.
Singapore Airlines subsequently acquired a 25.1% stake in Air India, strengthening the strategic partnership between the two airline groups.
Since the takeover, Air India has pursued a major transformation programme aimed at rebuilding the airline’s fleet, network, customer proposition and operating capabilities.
The appointment of Gebremariam represents another stage in that process. His leadership will come as Air India seeks to improve operational reliability, maintain a strong focus on safety and control costs while continuing its broader transformation.
What the CEO Change Means for Air India
The board meeting comes at an important point in Air India’s transformation. Wilson’s departure will close one phase of the Tata Group-led turnaround, while Gebremariam’s arrival will begin another.
The immediate focus will be on ensuring a smooth leadership transition and maintaining operational stability. The incoming CEO will also face the challenge of translating the airline’s transformation strategy into consistent day-to-day performance.
Air India’s ability to improve reliability, strengthen safety practices and manage costs will remain central to its next phase under Gebremariam.
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