CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group Tewolde Gebremariam has resigned from his position, the airlines announced on Wednesday.
Tewelde has stepped down from the position he held for over 11 years citing health reasons. The CEO has been getting treatment in the United States for an unspecified health illness for the last six months.
“As he needs to focus on his personal health issues, he is unable to continue leading the airline as a Group CEO, a duty which demands closer presence and full attention round the clock,” the airlines said.
Accordingly, the airlines said Tewolde requested the Board of Management of Ethiopian Airlines Group “for early retirement in order for him to focus his full attention on his medical treatment”.
The Board has accepted his request during its ordinary meeting held on Wednesday, March 23, said Ethiopian.
Tewolde was appointed as Group Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines in January, 2011, replacing another top former CEO of the national flag carrier, Girma Wake.
He led the Airline “with remarkable success reflected in its exceptional performance in all parameters”, said the airlines.
During his leadership, the airline’s annual turn-over increased from one Billion to $4.5billion dollars, while the number of Ethiopian airplanes grew from 33 to 130 airplanes.
“Under his leadership, the airline group has grown by four fold in all measurements building more than $700 million worth of vital infrastructure like Africa’s biggest hotel, Cargo terminal, MRO hangars and shops, Aviation Academy and Full Flight,” the airlines said.
Prior to taking his CEO role, Tewolde served the airlines at various levels.
MG/abj/APA