Mesfin Tasew Bekele appointed new Ethiopian Airlines CEO

Ethiopian Airlines, Africa's largest airline, is set to maintain its growth momentum despite the sudden change in leadership following the departure of long-serving CEO Tewolde Gebremariam and the subsequent appointment of Mesfin Tasew Bekele to lead the airline. The transition in leadership has been closely watched by industry experts and aviation enthusiasts, with many curious about the impact it may have on the airline's future. CNBC Africa recently interviewed aviation expert Derek Nseko to delve deeper into this significant development. Derek Nseko began by acknowledging the immense contribution of Tewolde Gebremariam to Ethiopian Airlines. He praised Gebremariam for his exceptional leadership and strategic vision, attributing much of the airline's success over the past decade to his tenure. Under Gebremariam's stewardship, Ethiopian Airlines implemented transformative strategies such as Vision 2010 and Vision 2025, which propelled the airline's growth trajectory to new heights. The airline's revenue skyrocketed from one billion to over four billion, its fleet expanded from 33 to more than 130 aircraft, and passenger numbers surged from three million to over 12 million by 2019. Nseko highlighted Gebremariam's pivotal role in positioning Ethiopian Airlines as a standout player in the African aviation industry. He emphasized Gebremariam's strategic partnerships with other African airlines, which aimed to bolster the aviation sector across the continent. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Ethiopian Airlines managed to weather the storm and maintain its position as a leader in the industry, a testament to Gebremariam's resilient leadership. The conversation then shifted to the appointment of Mesfin Tasew Bekele as the new CEO of Ethiopian Airlines. Nseko expressed confidence in Bekele's capabilities, citing his extensive experience within the airline. Bekele's four-decade tenure at Ethiopian Airlines, including roles as Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Maintenance and Engineering, has equipped him with intimate knowledge of the company's operations and strategic direction. Nseko commended Ethiopian Airlines for swiftly appointing Bekele and other seasoned executives to key leadership positions, ensuring continuity and stability during the leadership transition. Regarding the future outlook for Ethiopian Airlines, Nseko underscored the airline's resilience and long-term vision as crucial factors driving its success. He noted that Ethiopian Airlines has cultivated a pipeline of proficient leaders who are adept at steering the company towards continued growth. Nseko praised the airline's proactive approach in appointing leaders who have a deep understanding of the business and a proven track record of success within the organization. In conclusion, Nseko expressed optimism about Ethiopian Airlines' prospects under the leadership of Mesfin Tasew Bekele and the seasoned executives at the helm. Despite the challenges posed by changing leadership and external factors like the COVID-19 pandemic, Ethiopian Airlines is poised to navigate these obstacles and sustain its position as a trailblazer in the African aviation industry.