Air India board weighs CEO transition as Tewolde Gebremariam is tipped to succeed Campbell Wilson

Air India’s board in Mumbai discussed the incoming CEO’s compensation and transition plan, according to Business Today. Former Ethiopian Airlines chief Tewolde Gebremariam is expected to take over as CEO and MD by end-September, with safety, operational execution and cost discipline in focus.

— Source publishedTue, 15 Sept, 2026, 13:39 IST·First seen Tue, 15 Sept, 2026, 14:21 IST·Source Business Today · Latest

What happened

Air India’s board met in Mumbai to discuss the incoming CEO’s compensation and transition from Campbell Wilson. Former Ethiopian Airlines chief Tewolde

Key facts

  • Tewolde Gebremariam may assume CEO and MD roles by end-September 2026
  • Campbell Wilson has led Air India since July 2022
  • Tata Group acquired Air India in January 2022
  • Singapore Airlines holds 25.1% in Air India
  • AI171 crash reportedly caused 260 deaths

What changed

Air India’s board met in Mumbai to discuss the incoming CEO’s compensation and transition from Campbell Wilson. Former Ethiopian Airlines chief Tewolde Gebremariam is expected to become CEO and MD by month-end, with focus on operational excellence, safety and cost discipline.

Why this matters

Air India operators should prepare for a potential CEO-led reset centered on safety, operational reliability and tighter cost discipline if Tewolde Gebremariam assumes the role by end-September.

What to watch

  • Stock-exchange or company confirmation of the appointment, start date and whether Campbell Wilson remains in an advisory or group role.
  • Disclosure of the incoming CEO's compensation, decision rights, tenure and board mandate.
  • Changes in senior leadership across operations, engineering, network planning, commercial, digital and human resources.
  • Monthly on-time performance, cancellation rates, aircraft-on-ground levels, safety findings, complaint volumes and baggage/disruption metrics.
  • Announcements on route exits or additions, widebody allocation, aircraft deliveries, leasing decisions and retrofit schedules.