Air New Zealand has appointed Campbell Wilson, the outgoing Air India CEO and Managing Director, to its board in a significant leadership transition. According to reports from The Times of India and Outlook Business, Wilson and former airline executive Robert McDonald were appointed to Air New Zealand's board, effective September 24, coinciding with the airline's Annual Shareholders' Meeting. The appointments were announced in a regulatory filing, with Wilson's appointment marking a return to New Zealand aviation after his departure from Air India. Together, the two appointments are expected to add aviation, financial and corporate governance experience to the Air New Zealand board.
Wilson's appointment to Air New Zealand's board comes as he prepares to step down from Air India in September 2026, marking the end of his tenure at the Indian carrier after nearly four years in the role. As reported by The Times of India and Outlook Business, Air India had announced Wilson's resignation on April 7, signaling the completion of his transformation efforts at the airline. Wilson had informed outgoing Air India chairman N Chandrasekaran in 2024 of his intention to step down in 2026 but remained to ensure a smooth transition and the appointment of a successor. Wilson has been leading Air India's operational and strategic transformation during his tenure, which coincided with an ambitious expansion of Air India's fleet and international network as Tata Group sought to rebuild the carrier into a major global airline. However, the airline continued to report losses and faced increased regulatory scrutiny, particularly after a crash in Ahmedabad in June 2025 that killed 260 people. His departure was not unexpected, with the search for a successor having begun in January after Wilson indicated he did not wish to continue beyond his existing contract, and he was initially expected to serve until September 2027.
Wilson brings extensive aviation industry experience to his new role, having held several senior positions at Singapore Airlines throughout his career. According to The Times of India and Outlook Business, he has also served on the board of the International Air Transport Association and as a Board Executive Committee member of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines and Star Alliance. Wilson is a New Zealand native who has spent more than three decades in the aviation industry, joining Air India as CEO and Managing Director in July 2022 after a long career with Singapore Airlines. Before joining Air India, Wilson spent about 26 years at Singapore Airlines, holding several senior positions across the airline and its low-cost subsidiary Scoot, where he was the founding CEO and played a role in shaping its informal, irreverent culture within a larger organisation known for its focus on the premium market. His experience spans full-service and low-cost airline models, airline operations, commercial strategy, and international aviation, an asset for Air New Zealand as it navigates current operational challenges.
During Wilson's tenure at Air India, the airline underwent significant transformation despite facing operational challenges. As reported by The Times of India, Wilson highlighted the acquisition and merger of four airlines, a shift from public to private sector practices, and renewal of leadership, workforce, culture, and operations since privatisation. The airline modernised systems, launched new products, improved service and operational standards, and expanded its fleet by 100 aircraft. The interior refit of legacy narrowbody aircraft was nearly complete, with widebody aircraft deliveries underway. Wilson also established critical infrastructure such as South Asia's largest training academy, two flight simulator facilities, a flying school, and a greenfield maintenance, repair, and overhaul base to support Air India's growth and standards. Despite challenges including aircraft delivery delays, supply chain issues, conflicts, airspace closures, fuel price increases, and the tragic crash in Ahmedabad that killed 260 people, Wilson expressed pride in employees' achievements and called it an honour to contribute to Air India's history.
In a recent interview with PTI in Brazil in June, Wilson outlined his post-Air India career intentions, stating he does not plan to take up another airline executive position. As reported by The Times of India, Wilson indicated he would step back from full-time executive work and explore advisory board roles, adjunct lecturing, and mentoring younger professionals in the aviation industry. Wilson's appointment alongside Robert McDonald, who brings extensive financial and corporate governance experience as chair of Contact Energy and director at FleetPartners Group, will strengthen the board's combination of aviation, financial and corporate expertise at this critical time for the airline. For Wilson, the appointment marks a return to an influential role in the aviation sector following his exit from Air India and brings him back to New Zealand's aviation industry, where his career began before he moved to Singapore Airlines and later took charge of Air India's transformation. Air India has since appointed former Ethiopian Airlines Group chief executive Tewolde Gebremariam as its new CEO and managing director, tasked with leading the airline into its next phase of transformation with a focus on expansion, operational excellence and profitability.
