Ethiopian CEO Named Airline Regional ‘Leader of the Year’

VENTURES AFRICA – Ethiopian Airline CEO, Tewolde Gebremaria, has been awarded with the 2013 Airline Strategy Awards for Regional Leadership by Airline Business Magazine.

Terolder, whom the aviation media brand described as “having demonstrated excellence in leading a carrier” was honoured for delivering consistent profits while developing Ethiopian Airline’s fleet network business infrastructure and showing leadership in the continent, at a reception held in London.

The Chief, who was chosen as a recognition of his excellence in developing Ethiopian in one of the most difficult regional markets, was praised by one of the Judges, who said that Airlineis operating in a “difficult region” and its achievement is “very impressive”.

After receiving the award, the CEO said, “I am pleased to receive this prestigious strategy award which is in recognition of the hard work and special dedication of the 8,000 employees of Ethiopian Airlines. It is also a confirmation that our vision 2025 strategic road map of fast, profitable and sustainable growth is right and sound…”

The Airline Strategy Awards for Regional Leadership is given for a management team that has demonstrated excellence in leading a carrier, which provides strong transport links in its geographical region.

A key criterion for this award is the successful utilization of regional markets with high operational integrity as well as the ability to produce good growth rates while keeping a tight grip on costs.

Tewolde who recently finalised a deal signing 49 percent shareholding agreement to form the New Malawi Airline, was also commended for the airlines multiple hubs strategy in Africa, partnering with ASKY airline, which operates 22 West African destinations adding to Ethiopian’s 45 points.

Past executive leadership winners from the Airline Leadership Awards were Shinchiro Ito of Japan’sAll Nippon Airways in 2012; Kong Dong of Air China in 2011 and Richard Anderson of Delta Air Linesin 2010.

The award is organized by Airline Business magazine, a part of the Reed Business Information publishing group in the U.K.