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Air India · Airline Industry · CEO Resignation · Leadership Change
Campbell Wilson, CEO of Tata Group-owned Air India, has resigned, effective 2026, after conveying his intention to Chairman N. Chandrasekaran in 2024, prompting the board to form a committee to find his successor.
Wilson, appointed in July 2022 following Ilker Ayci's withdrawal, oversaw significant transformation since Tata Group acquired Air India in January 2022. He cited the "right time to hand over the reins" for the airline's next growth phase, acknowledging "unprecedented headwinds" including aircraft delivery and supply chain challenges, geopolitical conflicts, airspace closures, and fuel price volatility, alongside a tragic incident.
Wilson highlighted key achievements such as the acquisition and merger of four airlines, a shift from public to private sector practices, wholesale renewal of leadership and culture, modernization of systems, launch of new products, and the addition of 100 aircraft to the fleet. His departure precedes the bulk deliveries from Air India's nearly 600-strong aircraft order book, scheduled to commence in earnest from 2027.
The airline's low-cost subsidiary, Air India Express, also lacks a managing director since March 19. Wilson faced scrutiny following a London-bound flight crash on June 12 last year, which resulted in 241 fatalities out of 242 persons on board.
The Air India board has constituted a committee to identify and appoint his successor in the coming months.
