Veteran Ethiopian aviation executive Girma Wake is set to take over as the new Chief Executive Officer of Uganda Airlines, this publication has learnt.
The development follows reports earlier this week indicating that the tenure of outgoing CEO Jenifer Bamuturaki had come to an end. In a leaked internal email to staff, Bamuturaki confirmed her departure and informed employees that the position would be advertised.
“The Board will advertise the position of Chief Executive Officer shortly, and you are all encouraged to apply if you meet the required qualifications. The job description and application form will be published on the website,” Bamuturaki said in the email.
However, sources familiar with the matter say Wake has already been identified as the preferred candidate and is expected to be vetted for the role this week.
Wake previously served as Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines between 2004 and 2011 and later chaired the airline’s board.
His tenure is widely credited with transforming Ethiopian Airlines into one of Africa’s most successful and globally competitive carriers.
During his leadership, Ethiopian Airlines aggressively modernised its fleet, expanded its route network, and entrenched a professional management culture largely insulated from day-to-day political interference.
The airline pursued long-term strategic planning anchored in fleet renewal, staff training, and the development of Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport as a major continental hub.
Wake was instrumental in the airline’s early adoption of modern wide-body aircraft, including the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, and in strengthening Ethiopian Airlines’ position within the Star Alliance, significantly expanding its global reach and partnerships.
Meanwhile, the Uganda Airlines Board of Directors has formally advertised the CEO position, saying it is seeking to “recruit a visionary and results-oriented Chief Executive Officer to provide strategic leadership and oversee the sustainable growth and performance of the Airline.”
According to the advert, the CEO will report to the Board of Directors and will be responsible for leading the airline’s business strategy and overall performance.
“The CEO will be responsible for devising and executing the Airline’s corporate strategy, ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks, overseeing strategy implementation, and managing financial performance and reporting,” the advert states.
The role also includes oversight of commercial management, safety and security, risk management, revenue generation, budgeting, and cost control.
The board says the ideal candidate must hold at least a bachelor’s degree in Administration, Business Administration, Aviation Management, Engineering, Finance, Law, or another related business field. A master’s degree and formal training in aviation-related disciplines will be an added advantage.
Candidates are also required to have a minimum of 10 years’ aviation experience at senior management level, as well as proven experience working closely with a board of directors in a corporate, public sector, or regulated environment.
In addition, the board noted that the next CEO must demonstrate a strong understanding of airline economics, network planning, aviation regulatory frameworks, and safety and risk management systems, alongside a proven track record of delivering results and overcoming significant operational challenges.
