News: Ethiopia appoints air force commander as ET Group board chairman replacing Girma Wake

Addis Abeba – Ethiopian Airlines Group has confirmed the appointment of Lieutenant General Yilma Merdassa, the Commander of Ethiopian Air Force, as board chairman of the Ethiopian Airlines Management replacing veteran aviation executive Girma Wake since last Thursday 08 June. 

The group said in a statement that it wishes success to Lieutenant General Yilma Merdassa who has been serving the Airline Group as board member for the last two and half years, adding that the appointment was made by the Ethiopian government without stating the reason why the leadership change is needed.

Girma Wake who previously served the airline in different capacities including as member of the management board, and CEO has led the Group as Board Chairman since March 2022.

“His contribution to the growth and success of the Airline Group has been enormous and will take a special place in the history of the Group,” ET Group said, extending its gratitude and appreciation while wishing him “all the best in his new endeavors.”

The statement comes in the backdrop of reports of resignation of Girma Wake from his position as Ethiopian Airlines board chairman.

Girma was appointed board chairman in April 2022 replacing former Speaker of the House of Peoples’ Representatives, Abadula Gemeda, as Board Chairman.shortly before Mesfin Tasew, was appointed as group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, following the resignation of multiple award winning Group CEO, Tewolde Gebremariam, which the Airline said was “early retirement.” AS