Kenya Airways CEO Allan Kilavuka to exit, COO George Kamal appointed acting boss The Board of Directors of Kenya Airways Tuesday announced that Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Allan Kilavuka will exit the airline as he proceeds on terminal leave ahead of the expiry of his contractual tenure.
The announcement, made pursuant to the Capital Markets (Securities) (Public Offers, Listing and Disclosures) Regulations 2023 under the Capital Markets Act, marks the end of Kilavuka’s six-year stint at the helm of the national carrier.
During his tenure, Kilavuka steered the airline through the turbulence of the COVID-19 pandemic that severely disrupted global aviation, before overseeing a rebound in revenues and freight volumes that reaffirmed the airline’s operational viability.
In a statement, the Board and management expressed gratitude for his “commitment, dedication, honour and diligence,” wishing him well in his future endeavours.
The Board l appointed the airline’s Chief Operating Officer, George Kamal, as Acting Group Managing Director and CEO, effective December 16, 2025, as it initiates a competitive process to recruit a substantive office holder.
Captain Kamal brings more than 29 years of leadership experience across Middle Eastern and African aviation markets.
He previously served as Operations Director at Air Arabia and as Chief Operations and Executive Officer at Iraqi Airways.
He holds a Doctorate in Business Administration and a Master of Science in Aviation Management.
The Board pledged its full support to Captain Kamal during the interim period, noting that it remains focused on completing the airline’s ongoing turnaround strategy aimed at improving operational reliability, sustainability and growth, with the backing of shareholders.
