Kenya Airways has announced the appointment of Captain George Kamal as Acting Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective 16 December 2025. Captain Kamal, who currently serves as the airline’s Chief Operating Officer, will assume the role as the Board undertakes a competitive process to appoint a substantive CEO.
Captain Kamal is an experienced aviation executive with more than 29 years in the industry, having held senior leadership roles across African and Middle Eastern markets. His career spans frontline operations through to executive management, where he has led airline transformation initiatives. His previous appointments include Operations Director at Air Arabia and Chief Operations & Executive Officer at Iraqi Airways. He holds a doctorate in Business Administration and a master of science degree in Aviation Management, and brings expertise in innovation, digitalisation, and advanced aviation systems.
The Board has confirmed its support for Captain Kamal as he takes on executive leadership during the interim period.
The leadership transition follows the planned departure of Mr Allan Kilavuka, who will be exiting the company as Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer as he proceeds on terminal leave ahead of the expiry of his contractual tenure, after six years at the helm of the airline.
During his tenure, Mr Kilavuka led Kenya Airways through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, overseeing cost optimisation and strategic initiatives that preserved the airline’s operational continuity. In the subsequent recovery period, the airline recorded growth in revenues, passenger traffic, and cargo volumes, reinforcing its sustainability and market competitiveness.
The Board and management of Kenya Airways have expressed their appreciation to Mr Kilavuka for his service, leadership, and contribution, and wished him well in his future endeavours.
The Board has reiterated its commitment to completing the airline’s ongoing turnaround strategy, which focuses on strengthening operational reliability, long-term sustainability, and growth ambitions. This includes the continued search for a strategic investor, with the support of shareholders.
The Board also thanked employees, customers, partners, and other stakeholders for their continued support.
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