Industry Odisha Bureau, Sep 16: Air India’s board met Tuesday to finalize operational priorities for incoming CEO Tewolde Gebremariam. The board also approved his remuneration package.
Outgoing CEO Campbell Wilson briefed directors on the airline’s current operational position. He highlighted progress made and challenges still requiring management attention. This marked a formal handover before Gebremariam’s takeover. Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran chaired the meeting at Bombay House. He outlined expectations for Air India’s next transformation phase. Reliability, safety, and execution topped the new chief’s priority list.
Gebremariam inherits Air India at a critical turnaround stage. The former Ethiopian Airlines CEO has already engaged employees directly. He called safety culture the airline’s top operational priority. The new chief will drive performance improvements across Air India’s network. He must also continue integrating Tata Group’s aviation businesses smoothly. Wilson had spearheaded the airline’s initial global revival phase.
This leadership transition precedes Thursday’s crucial Tata Sons board meeting. That meeting addresses regulatory matters following the RBI’s recent ruling. Wilson wished Gebremariam and the Air India team continued success. Board members acknowledged Wilson’s contribution to Air India’s transformation journey.
Wilson took over after Tata Group acquired the state-run carrier in 2022. His tenure included fleet expansion and Vistara’s integration into Air India. He also navigated the airline through the tragic June 2025 Ahmedabad crash.
