Kenya Airways Plc (KQ) has announced an executive leadership transition, with Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Allan Kilavuka proceeding on terminal leave ahead of the expiry of his contractual tenure, marking the end of his six-year stint at the helm of the national carrier.
In a public announcement issued on Tuesday, the Board of Directors said Kilavuka’s exit follows his service during one of the most turbulent periods in the airline’s history, including the COVID-19 pandemic that severely disrupted the global aviation industry.
“Mr. Allan Kilavuka will be exiting the Company as the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer as he proceeds on terminal leave ahead of expiry of his contractual tenure,” the Board said.
The Board credited Kilavuka with steering the airline through the crisis and subsequently overseeing growth in revenues and cargo volumes, reaffirming the operational viability of the carrier.
It expressed gratitude for his “commitment, dedication, honour and diligence” and wished him well in his future endeavours.
To ensure continuity, the Board has appointed the airline’s Chief Operating Officer, Captain George Kamal, as Acting Group Managing Director and CEO, effective December 16, 2025.
The airline said the appointment is interim, as the Board simultaneously initiates a competitive process to recruit a substantive holder for the position.
“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 announcement stated, adding that “the Board will concurrently initiate the process to competitively recruit a substantive appointment for the position.”
Captain Kamal brings more than 29 years of leadership experience across the Middle East and African aviation markets.
According to the announcement, he rose from frontline operations to senior executive roles, leading transformations at several airlines.
He most recently served as Operations Director at Air Arabia and previously held the position of Chief Operations and Executive Officer at Iraqi Airways.
His academic qualifications include a Doctorate in Business Administration and a Master of Science in Aviation Management.
The Board pledged its full support to Captain Kamal as he assumes executive leadership during the transition period, noting that stability at the top is critical as the airline continues with its turnaround strategy.
Kenya Airways said its primary focus remains on securing operational reliability, sustainability and long-term growth, objectives that the Board noted have the backing of shareholders.
The airline added that its broader recovery strategy also includes the ongoing search for a suitable strategic investor to strengthen its financial position and competitiveness.
The announcement concluded with the Board thanking stakeholders for their continued support as the airline navigates the leadership change and advances its recovery agenda.
The notice was issued by Company Secretary Habil A. Waswani on behalf of the Board on December 16, 2025.
