Ethiopian Airlines Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Ethiopian Airlines has 9 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, operations, information technology, aviation education, and market development.

Driven by a commitment to connectivity, Ethiopian Airlines operates the newest and youngest fleet, serving international and domestic destinations daily and doubling daily east-west flights across the continent, solidifying its position as a leading global carrier.

Leadership Roles at Ethiopian Airlines

  • Group Chief Executive Officer - Mesfin Tasew
  • Chief Financial Officer - Mekonnen Nega
  • Chief Operating Officer - Retta Melaku
  • Technical Manager II & Chief Operating Officer - Samnew Nigatu
  • President, Ethiopian Aviation University - Laeke Tadesse
  • President - Bereket Beyene
  • President - Wondwossen Teshome
  • President - Sumeya Mohammed
  • Group Chief Information Officer - Getinet Tadesse
  • Mesfin Tasew - Group Chief Executive Officer

    Mesfin Tasew, the Group Chief Executive Officer at Ethiopian Airlines, directs the overall strategic vision and operational execution for the airline. Overseeing all divisions, Tasew ensures alignment with the company's mission to provide safe, reliable, and customer-centric air transport services across Africa and globally. This leadership role involves driving fleet modernization initiatives and expanding route networks to enhance connectivity. By fostering innovation and operational excellence, Mesfin Tasew directly impacts the airline's growth trajectory and market leadership. The Group Chief Executive Officer's purview includes managing key stakeholder relationships and ensuring the long-term financial health and sustainability of the enterprise. Tasew's strategic guidance shapes the airline's response to evolving market dynamics and competitive pressures, securing its position as a premier carrier.

    Mekonnen Nega - Chief Financial Officer

    Mekonnen Nega, the Chief Financial Officer at Ethiopian Airlines, manages all financial operations and fiscal strategy for the organization. Overseeing budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, Nega ensures robust financial health and compliance with international accounting standards. This critical role involves securing funding for fleet acquisitions and infrastructure development, essential for the airline's expansion plans. By optimizing financial performance and managing risk, Mekonnen Nega directly contributes to the airline's profitability and stability. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities extend to managing investor relations and driving cost-efficiency measures across all departments. Nega's financial acumen supports the airline's ambitious growth objectives and its commitment to operating the newest and youngest fleet.

    Retta Melaku - Chief Operating Officer

    Retta Melaku, the Chief Operating Officer at Ethiopian Airlines, oversees the day-to-day operational activities that ensure the airline's seamless functioning. Managing flight operations, ground handling, and network planning, Melaku guarantees the efficient execution of daily and double-daily flights across the continent and beyond. This leadership position is vital for maintaining the airline's reputation for punctuality and service reliability. By streamlining operational processes and enhancing service delivery, Retta Melaku directly improves customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. The Chief Operating Officer's focus includes optimizing resource allocation and implementing best practices in aviation management. Melaku's operational expertise is fundamental to Ethiopian Airlines' ability to serve a vast network of international and domestic destinations with its modern fleet.
    Retta Melaku

    Samnew Nigatu - Technical Manager II & Chief Operating Officer

    Samnew Nigatu, the Technical Manager II & Chief Operating Officer at Ethiopian Airlines, directs critical technical operations and contributes to the airline's overall operational management. Overseeing maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) activities for the airline's modern fleet, Nigatu ensures the highest standards of safety and airworthiness. This dual role is essential for maintaining the youngest fleet in the industry and guaranteeing operational reliability. By implementing advanced technical solutions and efficient maintenance schedules, Samnew Nigatu directly supports the airline's commitment to safety and service excellence. The Technical Manager II & Chief Operating Officer's focus includes managing technical teams and driving continuous improvement in engineering processes. Nigatu's expertise is vital for the sustained performance and longevity of Ethiopian Airlines' aircraft.

    Laeke Tadesse - President, Ethiopian Aviation University

    Laeke Tadesse, the President of Ethiopian Aviation University at Ethiopian Airlines, leads the strategic development and academic operations of the institution. Overseeing all educational programs, training initiatives, and faculty management, Tadesse ensures the university cultivates highly skilled aviation professionals. This leadership position is fundamental to developing the talent pipeline required for the airline's continued growth and operational excellence. By fostering a culture of learning and innovation, Laeke Tadesse directly contributes to the airline's human capital development and its ability to maintain a young, modern fleet. The President's responsibilities include advancing the university's curriculum to meet evolving industry demands and international standards. Tadesse's dedication to education strengthens Ethiopian Airlines' position as a leader in African aviation.
    Laeke Tadesse

    Bereket Beyene - President

    Bereket Beyene, the President at Ethiopian Airlines, holds a significant leadership position overseeing key strategic initiatives and operational segments. Managing specific divisions or regional operations, Beyene ensures the effective implementation of corporate objectives and service standards. This role is crucial for driving growth and maintaining operational integrity within designated areas of the airline's extensive network. By focusing on market development and service enhancement, Bereket Beyene directly contributes to Ethiopian Airlines' competitive advantage and customer satisfaction. The President's responsibilities often involve fostering strong relationships with stakeholders and ensuring alignment with the airline's overall mission. Beyene's leadership supports the airline's commitment to connecting Africa and the world with its modern fleet.

    Wondwossen Teshome - President

    Wondwossen Teshome, the President at Ethiopian Airlines, directs critical functions that support the airline's expansive operational scope. Overseeing specific business units or strategic projects, Teshome ensures the efficient execution of plans designed to enhance service delivery and market reach. This leadership role is vital for maintaining the airline's operational momentum and its ability to serve diverse international and domestic destinations. By driving performance improvements and implementing strategic directives, Wondwossen Teshome directly impacts the airline's overall success and its reputation for reliability. The President's focus includes optimizing resource utilization and ensuring adherence to stringent safety and quality standards. Teshome's contributions are integral to Ethiopian Airlines' sustained growth and its position as a leading carrier.

    Sumeya Mohammed - President

    Sumeya Mohammed, the President at Ethiopian Airlines, leads key strategic and operational areas vital to the airline's mission. Managing specific portfolios or business units, Mohammed ensures the effective implementation of corporate strategies and service standards across designated operations. This leadership position is essential for driving operational excellence and expanding the airline's reach across Africa and globally. By focusing on market penetration and service innovation, Sumeya Mohammed directly contributes to Ethiopian Airlines' growth and its ability to offer seamless travel experiences. The President's responsibilities include fostering cross-functional collaboration and ensuring alignment with the airline's commitment to operating a modern, efficient fleet. Mohammed's leadership strengthens the airline's competitive standing and its dedication to customer satisfaction.

    Getinet Tadesse - Group Chief Information Officer

    Getinet Tadesse, the Group Chief Information Officer at Ethiopian Airlines, leads the strategic direction and implementation of information technology across the organization. Overseeing all IT infrastructure, software development, and digital transformation initiatives, Tadesse ensures that technology supports the airline's operational efficiency and customer experience goals. This role is crucial for managing the complex digital systems that underpin flight operations, passenger services, and internal communications. By driving technological innovation and cybersecurity measures, Getinet Tadesse directly enhances the airline's competitive edge and operational resilience. The Group Chief Information Officer's responsibilities include leveraging data analytics to optimize network planning and improve service delivery. Tadesse's leadership ensures Ethiopian Airlines remains at the forefront of digital advancements in the aviation industry.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Airlines, Airports & Air Services

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Ethiopian Airlines Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Ethiopian Airlines?
    Ethiopian Airlines is led by Mesfin Tasew (Group Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Mekonnen Nega (Chief Financial Officer) and Retta Melaku (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Ethiopian Airlines’s executive team?
    The executive team of Ethiopian Airlines includes leaders such as Mesfin Tasew (Group Chief Executive Officer), Mekonnen Nega (Chief Financial Officer), Retta Melaku (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Ethiopian Airlines have?
    Ethiopian Airlines has 9 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Ethiopian Airlines’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Ethiopian Airlines includes roles such as Group Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Technical Manager II & Chief Operating Officer, President, Ethiopian Aviation University.