Ethiopian Airlines Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Ethiopian Airlines has 8 executives leading key functions including financial strategy, operational logistics, technical management, information technology, and aviation education.

Focused on expanding connectivity across the African continent, Ethiopian Airlines maintains a commitment to operational excellence and fleet modernization to deliver superior air transport services globally.

Leadership Roles at Ethiopian Airlines

  • 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 - Wondwossen Teshome
  • President - Sumeya Mohammed
  • President - Bereket Beyene
  • Group Chief Information Officer - Getinet Tadesse
  • Mekonnen Nega - Chief Financial Officer

    Mekonnen Nega, the Chief Financial Officer at Ethiopian Airlines, directs all fiscal planning and capital allocation strategies. Managing the financial health of the organization, the Chief Financial Officer oversees revenue management, cost control initiatives, and long-term investment planning for the youngest fleet in the industry. By optimizing capital structures, Nega ensures the airline maintains liquidity while funding aggressive expansion across international markets. This leadership role involves close collaboration with the Board to align fiscal policies with the broader corporate mission of connecting Ethiopia to the world. Mekonnen Nega monitors global economic trends to mitigate risks associated with fuel price volatility and currency fluctuations. Through rigorous financial oversight, the Chief Financial Officer supports the sustainable growth of the airline, ensuring that every operational investment yields maximum value for the company and its stakeholders.

    Retta Melaku - Chief Operating Officer

    Retta Melaku, the Chief Operating Officer at Ethiopian Airlines, manages the daily flight operations and logistical efficiency of the entire network. Overseeing the complex coordination of east-west flights across the continent, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that flight schedules, ground handling, and passenger services meet international safety and quality standards. Melaku drives operational excellence by integrating advanced technology into the daily workflow, which enhances the reliability of the youngest fleet in the region. This leadership role requires constant interaction with regional hubs to maintain seamless connectivity for domestic and international travelers. Retta Melaku monitors performance metrics to identify areas for process improvement, thereby increasing overall efficiency. By focusing on operational precision, the Chief Operating Officer secures the reputation of the airline as a premier carrier, ensuring that every flight adheres to the highest standards of service and punctuality.
    Retta Melaku

    Samnew Nigatu - Technical Manager II & Chief Operating Officer

    Samnew Nigatu, the Technical Manager II & Chief Operating Officer at Ethiopian Airlines, architects the maintenance protocols and technical infrastructure required to support the airline's modern fleet. Overseeing the engineering departments, the Technical Manager II & Chief Operating Officer ensures that all aircraft meet rigorous safety certifications and performance benchmarks. Nigatu manages the supply chain for critical aviation components, ensuring that technical downtime remains minimal across the entire network. This leadership role involves coordinating with global manufacturers to implement the latest aviation technologies, which directly impacts the safety and efficiency of the airline. Samnew Nigatu drives the technical strategy that allows the company to maintain its competitive edge in the transportation industry. By prioritizing engineering excellence, the Technical Manager II & Chief Operating Officer guarantees that the fleet remains in peak condition, supporting the airline's mission to provide reliable and safe air travel.

    Laeke Tadesse - President, Ethiopian Aviation University

    Laeke Tadesse, the President, Ethiopian Aviation University at Ethiopian Airlines, leads the educational initiatives and training programs that develop the next generation of aviation professionals. Overseeing the curriculum development and faculty management, the President, Ethiopian Aviation University ensures that all training aligns with international aviation standards and the specific operational needs of the airline. Tadesse drives the expansion of the university's reach, attracting students from across the continent to gain expertise in pilot training, aircraft maintenance, and aviation management. This leadership role involves fostering partnerships with global aviation institutions to maintain a high-quality educational environment. Laeke Tadesse monitors the success of graduates to ensure that the airline's workforce remains highly skilled and capable of supporting the company's growth. By prioritizing academic excellence, the President, Ethiopian Aviation University secures a pipeline of talent that sustains the long-term operational success of the airline.
    Laeke Tadesse

    Wondwossen Teshome - President

    Wondwossen Teshome, the President at Ethiopian Airlines, directs the strategic business development and market expansion efforts for the cargo division. Overseeing the logistics network and freight operations, the President ensures that the airline maximizes its capacity to transport goods across international borders. Teshome manages relationships with global logistics partners to enhance the efficiency of the supply chain and increase revenue from cargo services. This leadership role involves analyzing market demand to identify new routes and opportunities for growth in the freight sector. Wondwossen Teshome drives the implementation of specialized handling procedures for diverse cargo types, ensuring that the airline meets the needs of various industries. By focusing on the expansion of the cargo business, the President contributes significantly to the overall financial performance and market reach of the airline, reinforcing its position as a leader in the global transportation industry.

    Sumeya Mohammed - President

    Sumeya Mohammed, the President at Ethiopian Airlines, leads the customer experience and service quality initiatives across all passenger touchpoints. Overseeing the cabin services, ground staff training, and loyalty programs, the President ensures that every traveler receives a premium experience that reflects the airline's commitment to excellence. Mohammed drives the development of service standards that differentiate the brand in a competitive market. This leadership role involves analyzing passenger feedback to refine service delivery and improve overall satisfaction scores. Sumeya Mohammed collaborates with the marketing and operations teams to ensure that the brand promise is consistently met during every flight. By focusing on the human element of the airline's operations, the President enhances customer loyalty and strengthens the brand's reputation. Through dedicated service leadership, the President ensures that the airline remains the preferred choice for travelers across the continent and beyond.

    Bereket Beyene - President

    Bereket Beyene, the President at Ethiopian Airlines, manages the corporate strategy and international relations for the airline's regional expansion projects. Overseeing the development of new partnerships with regional carriers, the President ensures that the airline effectively integrates its services into emerging markets. Beyene drives the negotiation of bilateral agreements and regulatory compliance across various jurisdictions to facilitate smooth operations. This leadership role involves coordinating with government entities and international aviation bodies to advocate for the airline's interests and promote regional connectivity. Bereket Beyene monitors geopolitical developments to adjust the airline's strategic approach in volatile markets. By focusing on the expansion of the network, the President plays a vital role in increasing the airline's footprint and influence. Through strategic relationship management, the President secures the long-term viability and growth of the airline in the complex global aviation landscape.

    Getinet Tadesse - Group Chief Information Officer

    Getinet Tadesse, the Group Chief Information Officer at Ethiopian Airlines, directs the digital transformation and information technology strategy for the entire organization. Overseeing the implementation of advanced data analytics and cybersecurity frameworks, the Group Chief Information Officer ensures that the airline's digital infrastructure supports seamless passenger experiences and efficient internal operations. Tadesse manages the integration of complex software systems that track flight data, booking information, and fleet maintenance records. This leadership role involves collaborating with other C-suite executives to leverage technology for revenue growth and operational optimization. Getinet Tadesse drives innovation by adopting cloud-based solutions that enhance the scalability of the airline's digital presence. By modernizing the IT landscape, the Group Chief Information Officer enables the company to remain agile in a rapidly evolving global market, ensuring that data-driven insights inform every strategic decision made by the leadership team.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Ethiopian Airlines Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Ethiopian Airlines?
    Ethiopian Airlines is led by Mekonnen Nega (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Retta Melaku (Chief Operating Officer) and Samnew Nigatu (Technical Manager II & Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Ethiopian Airlines’s executive team?
    The executive team of Ethiopian Airlines includes leaders such as Mekonnen Nega (Chief Financial Officer), Retta Melaku (Chief Operating Officer), Samnew Nigatu (Technical Manager II & Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Ethiopian Airlines have?
    Ethiopian Airlines has 8 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 Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Technical Manager II & Chief Operating Officer, President, Ethiopian Aviation University, President.