Zambia Airways Appoints Ethiopian Airlines Veteran as New CEO

Zambia Airways has appointed Ethiopian aviation executive Aman Wole Gurmu as its new Chief Executive Officer, bringing more than 19 years of experience in international aviation and commercial strategy.

The airline’s Board of Directors appointed Wole, effective August 1, 2026, to succeed Thomas Gebreyohannes as CEO.

Wole, an Ethiopian national, joins Zambia Airways after a long career with Ethiopian Airlines Group, where he held several senior positions across Africa, Europe and Asia.

His previous roles included Regional Director for Mainland China and Mongolia, Regional Director for France and the Maghreb, Area Manager for Zambia and Director of Sales in Addis Ababa.

During his time as Ethiopian Airlines’ Regional Director for Mainland China and Mongolia, Wole played a role in strengthening trade and logistics links between China, Africa and Europe.

Under his leadership, Ethiopian Airlines launched new cargo routes to destinations in China, including Macau and Urumqi, helping support international e-commerce and agricultural trade.

Zambia Airways Board Chairperson Jomo Matululu said the board was confident that Wole’s experience would help strengthen the airline’s growth and competitiveness.

“His extensive experience in aviation leadership, commercial strategy and market development gives us confidence that he will contribute significantly to the continued growth and competitiveness of Zambia Airways,” Matululu said.

Wole said he was honoured to lead Zambia Airways and identified safety, operational excellence, investment in employees and customer service as among his main priorities.

“I am honoured to lead Zambia Airways at this important stage of its journey,” Wole said.

He added that his focus would be on maintaining high safety standards, improving operational performance, investing in the airline’s workforce and delivering exceptional service to passengers.

Zambia Airways is jointly owned by the Zambian Government’s Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), which holds a 55 percent stake, and Ethiopian Airlines Group, which owns the remaining 45 percent.

The current Zambia Airways was established in 2018 through an agreement between the two entities as part of efforts to restructure and revive Zambia’s national airline.

Ethiopian Airlines’ involvement in Zambia Airways is also part of the carrier’s broader strategy to expand its presence in Africa through partnerships and investments in other airlines. Similar arrangements have been established with airlines in countries including Togo, Malawi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.