Airforce Boss Succeeds Aviation Luminary at Ethiopian Airlines

Ethiopian Airlines Group, one of Africa's leading aviation companies, has undergone a significant shift in its leadership structure. The Group confirmed through its official social media channels that Yilma Merdassa, a Lieutenant General, has been appointed as the Chairman of the Board.

This transition comes into effect as of last week and signifies an end to the long-standing tenure of Girma Wake, a respected figure in the world of aviation. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) made this key reshuffle on June 8, 2003, bringing in Yilma, an airforce commander, to helm the board of one of Africa's most significant airlines.

The move has been met with considerable attention given Ethiopian Airlines' crucial role in the region's economic and travel infrastructure.

The person Yilma is succeeding, Girma, is a celebrated stalwart in the global aviation industry. His contributions to Ethiopian Airlines span over 50 years, encompassing various leadership roles such as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) during the companies most defining moments and Executive Board member. Girma's experience, knowledge, and vision have significantly contributed to shaping the Airline into a formidable player in Africa and beyond. His guidance, especially during challenging economic times, has been pivotal to the Airline's continued success.

Yilma, the newly appointed chairman, is not a stranger to the Board. He has served as a Board Director for the Ethiopian Airlines Group for the past two and a half years. Throughout his tenure, he worked alongside other prominent board members, including Tadesse Tilahun, CEO of the National Oil Company (NOC), Temesgen Tiruneh, chief of the national intelligence agency, and Teklewold Atnafu, the former Governor of the central bank, now chief monetary policy advisor to the Prime Minister.

This change in the Board's chairmanship occurs at a time when the aviation industry is grappling with the continued global fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. Airlines worldwide have been forced to reassess their strategies and make tough decisions to remain afloat. Ethiopian Airlines Group, as one of Africa's top-performing airlines, has been remarkably resilient, boasting healthy passenger numbers and maintaining an extensive network of global destinations.

This resilience can, in part, be attributed to the strategic leadership provided by Girma. But it also faces profound challenges due to managing growth, flight of human capital and servicing debts. No less is the precarious political situation of the country where the Airlines is based, affecting its global standing.

It is Yilma's turn to steer the Airline's future, carrying on the legacy of strong leadership. He is expected to secure Ethiopian Airlines' position as a leading global carrier. Despite his military background, he will need to employ a balance of diplomatic tact and strategic foresight to maintain the growth trajectory of Ethiopian Airlines Group in a fiercely competitive aviation industry where success depends on adapting to the shifting demands of a global traveller base.

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