Kenya Airways has announced the appointment of a new managing director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

In a notice, Kenya Airways said the Allan Kilavuka will be exiting the Company as the Group Managing Director and CEO.

The Company said Kilavuka is going for a terminal leave ahead of expiry of his contractual tenure.

Kilavuka has been leading the Company for a period of six years.

“The Board of Directors of Kenya Airways Pic (“KO”) hereby announces that Mr. Allan Kilavuka will be exiting the Company as the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (“GMD/CEO”), as he proceeds on terminal leave ahead of expiry of his contractual tenure. This follows his service at the helm of the airline’s executive leadership for a period of six (6) years,” reads part of the notice.

Contribution to the Company

The Board said Allan served with commitment, dedication, honour and diligence, steering the Company through the turbulent COVID-19 period which affected the aviation sector negatively.

He subsequently oversaw the growth of revenues and freight volumes re-affirming the operational viability of the airline.

“The Board and management of the Company hereby express their gratitude to Allan for his diligence, service, leadership, and dedication to the Airline over the years, and wishes him the best in his future endeavours,” adds the notice.

Also Read: Kenya Airways Warns of Lower 2025 Profits as It Grounds 3 Aircraft

Kenya Airways Picks Acting CEO

In the interim, the Board has appointed Captain George Kamal, the Company’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), as acting GMD/CEO effective 16th December 2025.

The Board said it will concurrently initiate the process to competitively recruit a substantive appointment for the position.

Captain Kamal is a distinguished aviation executive with over 29 years of leadership experience across the Middle East and African markets.

Also Read: How To Book Kenya Airways Flight Online

George Kamal Experience

Rising from frontline operations to the C-suite, he has led the transformation of several airlines through senior executive roles.

He has most recently served as Operations Director at Air Arabia, and as Chief Operations & Executive Officer at Iraqi Airways.

Captain Kamal holds a Doctorate in Business Administration and an MSc in Aviation Management.

“The Board commits to support Captain Kamal as he takes over the organisation’s executive leadership during this interim period,” reads the notice.

The Board said it remains focused on completing the ongoing turnaround strategy of the airline whose primary objective is to secure its operational reliability, sustainability and growth ambitions, and this has the support of the shareholders.

“This strategy includes the search for a suitable strategic investor.The Board takes this opportunity to thank all its stakeholders for their continued support,” the notice read.

Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Allan Kilavuka. (Photo: X/KQ)