5 things to know about PIA's new CEO Tewolde

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has selected former Ethiopian Airlines chief executive Tewolde Gebremariam as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Tewolde’s appointment is expected to play a key role in implementing the new owners’ strategy to restore PIA’s operational efficiency and strengthen its position in regional and international aviation markets.

Who is Tewolde GebreMariam Tesfay?

• He joined Ethiopian Airlines in 1985 and rose through the cargo division to become Manager Cargo Traffic Handling.
• He later held key international roles in India, Saudi Arabia, and the USA before becoming Executive Officer Marketing & Sales in 2004 and Chief Operating Officer in 2006.
• From January 1, 2011, he served as Group Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines while also serving in international and national organizations.
  
• He holds a B.A. in Economics and an MA in Business Administration, and received multiple prestigious awards during his CEO tenure.
• Tewolde is credited with transforming Ethiopian Airlines into Africa’s largest carrier by expanding its international network and strengthening Addis Ababa’s position as a major aviation hub.

READ MORE: PIA eyes Ex-Ethiopian Airlines CEO to lead revival: report

His appointment comes after the completion of the first phase of PIA’s privatisation, under which management control was transferred to a consortium led by Arif Habib Corporation following the fulfilment of all conditions under the Share Purchase and Subscription Agreement (SPSA).