Airline Leadership Shake-Up
Kenya Airways Appoints Habil Waswani As Acting CEO Following Kamal's Resignation
Anonymous
Key Points
1
Captain George Kamal has been Acting Group Managing Director and CEO since December 16, 2025 and will formally exit on September 30, 2026 after a 30-day transition; Habil Waswani will assume the acting GMD/CEO role from September 15, 2026.
2
Habil Waswani brings more than 24 years of corporate and commercial legal experience, and has served at Kenya Airways for more than five years, including prior senior roles in banking and insurance sectors.
3
Waswani's educational and professional credentials include an LL.B from the University of Nairobi, a Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law, a Global Executive MBA from USIU-Africa in collaboration with Columbia Business School, plus certifications as a Public Secretary and memberships in multiple professional bodies (Law Society of Kenya, Institute of Certified Secretaries of Kenya, Institute of Directors of Kenya).
4
The leadership change underscores a broader turnaround agenda that includes network and fleet optimization, sustainability initiatives, growth, and consideration of a strategic investor.
Kenya Airways is shaking up its leadership after just eight months. Acting Group Managing Director and CEO Captain George Kamal resigned for personal reasons, Aviation Week reported, effective September 30, 2026 after a 30-day transition. The airline quickly named Habil Waswani, its Company Secretary and Director of Legal Services, as the new Acting GMD/CEO starting September 15, 2026.
Waswani brings 24 years of corporate and commercial legal experience, plus five years at Kenya Airways Biznakenya says. The airline emphasized it will keep pushing its turnaround plan while hunting for a permanent leader. The change comes as Kenya Airways works to stabilize operations, boost financial performance, and explore growth opportunities.
Kamal Steps Down After Eight Months of Stabilizing Operations
Captain George Kamal took the top job on December 16, 2025, and lasted just over eight months, Saccoreview reported. He cited personal reasons for his departure rather than operational difficulties. During his tenure, Kamal stabilized flight operations and guided the airline through a leadership transition. He will remain on the payroll for a 30-day handover period through September 30, 2026.
Waswani Takes Helm With Deep Legal and Corporate Background
Habil Waswani assumes the acting role starting September 15, 2026. Biznakenya notes he holds an LL.B from the University of Nairobi and a Global Executive MBA from USIU-Africa in collaboration with Columbia Business School. Waswani has worked in Kenya Airways for over five years and previously held senior positions in banking and insurance.
He is a member of the Law Society of Kenya, the Institute of Certified Secretaries of Kenya, and the Institute of Directors of Kenya. His background in regulatory compliance and legal strategy could strengthen the airline's governance during the interim period while the board recruits a permanent GMD/CEO.
Turnaround Strategy Stays on Track Despite Leadership Vacuum
Kenya Airways says the leadership change will not derail its recovery plans. Tuko reports the airline remains focused on network and fleet optimization, sustainability, and exploring strategic investors. The carrier has emphasized operational reliability and financial stability as core priorities moving forward.
The board will now run a competitive recruitment process to find a permanent Group Managing Director and CEO. Waswani's interim leadership provides continuity while executives search for a candidate who can drive long-term growth and strengthen the airline's market position in East Africa.
Sentiment
Mostly NegativeNEGATIVENEUTRALPOSITIVE
Publishers
16
Articles
12
Reach
28
A
AnonymousAuthor
