Yesterday I wrote about how it was rumored that Ethiopian Airlines’ Chairman had been fired, and was replaced by the head of the country’s Air Force. This has now been officially confirmed, and could have some major implications.
In this post:
Ethiopian Airlines fires respected Chairman
As of June 8, 2023, Girma Wake has been removed as Chairman of Ethiopian Airlines, and has been replaced by Yilma Merdasa, the Commander of the Ethiopian Air Force.
For context, Wake is one of Africa’s most respected airline executives. The 79-year-old served as CEO of Ethiopian Airlines from 2004 to 2011, growing it into Africa’s most successful long haul airline. He had spent his entire career in the airline industry, as he started at Ethiopian Airlines in 1965, upon his graduation. From 2012 to 2017 he was the Chairman of RwandAir, before eventually returning to Ethiopian Airlines.
Here’s what Ethiopian Airlines had to say about Wake:
Mr. Girma Wake has led the Group as Management Board Chairman since March 2022. During this period, Mr. Girma has provided effective guidance to the Group sharing his wealth of experience in the aviation field. Prior to that, he had served the airline in different capacities including as member of the Management Board, and CEO positions at different times. 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.
Ethiopian Airlines would like to extend its gratitude and appreciation to Mr. Girma and wish him all the best in his new endeavors.
What’s the motive for this management change?
While it’s official that Ethiopian Airlines has appointed a new Chairman, the motive for this change isn’t being made public. The rumor (which I can’t personally vouch for) seems to be that Wake was removed from his position because he refused to remove Ethiopian Airlines CEO Mesfin Tasew from his role, and replace him with Ethiopian Airlines CCO Lemma Yadecha.
If that’s the case, then it would appear that the motive here is political, given Ethiopia’s ethnic conflict. The CEO who reportedly could be removed is Amhara, while the CCO who reportedly may replace him is Oromian. These are the two largest ethnic groups in Ethiopia, and this has been a big source of conflict in Ethiopia for years.
If this is all accurate, it appears that this is more about Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed continuing to build a political alliance wherever he can, including at the country’s national airline.
I think the big question is if this is just symbolic, or if we’ll actually see a major shakeup in how Ethiopian Airlines is run. I mean, replacing the country’s most experienced airline executive, who has been involved in civil aviation for nearly 60 years, with an Air Force officer who is a loyalist to the Prime Minister, seems like it might not be great for business.
I imagine this wouldn’t be good for international confidence in the airline either. However, Ethiopian Airlines has weathered a lot of conflicts and management changes over the years, and has continued to be successful. Hopefully this doesn’t change that trajectory.
Bottom line
Ethiopian Airlines’ Chairman has just been fired, and replaced by Ethiopia’s Air Force Commander. While it hasn’t been officially stated, this is reportedly because the Chairman refused to fire the CEO and replace him with the CCO, which seems to come down to an ethnic conflict.
It’s definitely not a great look when an otherwise successful airline is taken over by a military leader. I’m curious to see how this plays out over time. I have nothing but respect for Wake, and what he has done for aviation in Ethiopia.
What do you make of this shakeup at Ethiopian Airlines?
If There is any reason to fire Mr. Tesow who is the CEO, There is no reson to Fire Mr. Girma who was the Board chairman . There is a political conspiracy popup aginast Oromo and prime minister on Amharic speaking Youtubers to mislead people that all positions will be taken over by Oromo politician and reshuffling is coming based on politics . The Prime Minster can fire anybody for his own reason if he...
If There is any reason to fire Mr. Tesow who is the CEO, There is no reson to Fire Mr. Girma who was the Board chairman . There is a political conspiracy popup aginast Oromo and prime minister on Amharic speaking Youtubers to mislead people that all positions will be taken over by Oromo politician and reshuffling is coming based on politics . The Prime Minster can fire anybody for his own reason if he wanted. We have to know Mr. Girma can make a mistake that the premier doesn't like in his own administration. even though Mr. Girma is a respected CEO or Chairman.
Derek Hong do what now .
Call a bluff and got smacked by a straight flush.
I'm a frequent ET traveler and headed to Addis next week. This is just another piece of what is happening in Ethiopia. It's really sad. Abiy came into office bringing so much hope. Sadly he's turning out to be a pretty bad actor. Nothing good is going to come of this.
Hey David. I just booked ET for the fall. IAD-ADD-JNB and CPT-ADD-ORD.
777/350/350/787 (at least, that is what is currently scheduled, I hear nothing is firm until 72 hours before departure.)
Since you are a frequent ET traveler, I’m wondering what you can share about these flights and routes.
Sorry about the unconfirmed ethnic-based rumors here in the case. I think both guys are from Oromo. So, your assumption seems to be sick of a big rumour - a rumour for a rumor!
They’re all just good ol habesha.
I was about to book Beijing to NYC on Ethiopian (which, at the moment, is the cheapest business class fare I can find). But I'm not dealing with political interference putting some nutter at the top. On to my next best choice.
Africa gonna Africa
Wait till America do an America on Africa.
During Ethiopia - Eritrea war, there was some behind the scenes Russian assistance to Ethiopia and Ukrainian assistance to Eritrea. I wonder if it's somehow related to current situation.
I was already hesitant to take any flights on ET, but this cements it.
We care why? And sorry, who are you?
Who are you ?
what color is your Bugatti?
I think you should not exaggerate the issue as such. Ethiopian Airlines is a well established Airline in all basic resources including well trained international business-minded man power and capital.
The proposed Mgr has also Good exposure to the business. The PM can assign just after evaluating his capacity and exposure. So it is not fair to make such irrelevant news on EAL.
Thank you!
I’m sure this most likely will have limited impact on consumers… but I’ve been on the fence about planning an award six months out and considering flights on Ethiopian… this is the kind of news that makes me lean towards another trip. Can only imagine others will avoid the airline as well, which is unfortunate for a Ethiopia.
I'm supposed to be meeting Ato Girma in Nairobi this week so hopefully we'll get some updates on the situation from him.
Nice. But sorry, who are you?
If you've been reading OMAAT long enough, you would know to come straight to the comment section on a blog like this to see what Sean M has to say about it.
You are totally correct! I treasure Sean M's posts every single time I see and read them! What a great man he is! And how comprehensive his knowledge of almost everything aviation is!
@Derek - In this case, I'm just an old friend of Girma's who serves on a board (not Ethiopian Airlines) with him, and was worried for his safety and well-being given the media reports. He has confirmed he's fine though and seems fiesty as ever so I'm sure there will be a lot of chat over drinks this week when we meet. That's all.
@Sean M. Ah, so you're in the industry I imagine! Where can I find out more about you? :P
Either way, I'm interested to hear the story from the horses mouth.
If you google his name, you will see that he is the go to person with anything aviation related in Africa.
@Derek Hong - You can google me (Sean M Africa aviation) and you'll find out more than you probably cared to! :)
Thank you! I guess I'm not the only fat, balding, middle aged one between the both of us.
I'm not sure why everyone was so offended by me asking more about you given that you obviously operate inside significant circles within the industry, and I didn't know much about you. Not to mention "Sean M." doesn't exactly narrow things down when you do a Google search. People can be quite sensitive it seems.
I appreciate you being willing to give me more insight though!
Ethiopian Airlines is headed by Mesfin Tasew who was appointed to the position in March 2022, not Girma Wake. Girma Wake is a board chairman and still keeps that position.
You fall for Amhara's misinformation, dear Editor. They are known for spreading lies 24/7.
@Yonas - Ato Girma has confirmed today that he is no longer holding the position of Chairman. There is no clear information about the status of Mesfin and Lemma at this time. What actually transpired will likely not be publicly spoken as Ato Girma is not the type to wash dirty linen in public, even if he had a disagreement with PM Abiy and was removed involuntarily.
Yonas, the news of Girma Wake being fired is all over. This is not Amhara misinformation as you put it. We are seeing now who is spreading lies 24/7.
Gee, I wonder what side of the ethnic conflict you're on...
What a pity. Ethiopian Airlines was one of the best run airlines (or any large business for that matter) in Africa.
I suspect this will have major implications for the airline and will result in many more management changes down the line based on which tribe one belongs to.
Since the Ethiopian Air Force is primarily composed of Russian aircraft, aren't we supposed to boycott Ethiopian Airlines now?
What are you on about? And how is that fact related? You make no sense!
This guy just got a Nobel Memorial Prize but is replacing CEOs based on ethnic reasons. Classic.
Since the Ukrainian Air Force is primarily composed of Russian aircraft, aren't we supposed...
Hold on, hold on!
Well...maybe they following in the US footsteps and are embracing diversity...