The Tata Group has reportedly initiated a search for a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead Air India, signaling a potential shift in leadership as the tenure of current CEO Campbell Wilson nears its end. Wilson's contract is set to expire in mid-2027, but sources indicate that the Tata Group may be seeking a replacement before then. Simultaneously, the group is also reportedly looking to appoint a new Managing Director for its low-cost subsidiary, Air India Express, where Aloke Singh's term is also expected to conclude in 2027.
Campbell Wilson, a New Zealand business executive, assumed the role of CEO and Managing Director of Air India on July 25, 2022, following Tata Group's acquisition of the airline from the government in January 2022. Before joining Air India, Wilson had a career spanning over 25 years with the Singapore Airlines Group, including two stints as CEO of the group's low-cost airline, Scoot.
The decision to look for a new CEO comes amid reports of the Tata Group's impatience with Air India's slow recovery and dissatisfaction with the pace of improvements and execution. Group chairman N. Chandrasekaran has reportedly engaged with senior aviation leaders from across the globe, including chief executives of major international airlines based in the UK and the US, as potential successors to Wilson.
Air India's turnaround plan faced a setback following a Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad in June 2025, which resulted in over 241 fatalities. Aviation regulators have since highlighted several concerns, including operating aircraft without emergency equipment checks, delays in replacing engine components, falsification of maintenance records, and shortcomings in managing crew fatigue. The final report on the accident is expected around June.
During his tenure, Wilson spearheaded a five-year transformation plan, "Vihaan.AI", aimed at restoring Air India's global competitiveness and improving its financial performance. Key achievements include the merger of Air India with Vistara in November 2024, fleet expansion, and network growth. However, the airline has faced challenges such as supply chain disruptions, aircraft delivery delays, and service quality concerns. Air India is unlikely to meet the target date of March 31 to break even operationally, which is a key factor in the potential change in leadership.
The CEO selection process could take three to six months, and any overlap with Wilson's tenure would help ensure a smooth leadership transition. Air India has not yet commented on the matter.
