Allan Kilavuka exits Kenya Airways after 6 years
Kenya Airways (KQ) CEO Allan Kilavuka.
Kenya Airways announces leadership transition at the top of the national carrier, with Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Allan Kilavuka set to exit the company after six years in the role.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, the airline said Kilavuka will proceed on terminal leave ahead of the expiry of his contractual tenure, bringing to a close his term at the helm of the carrier.
Following his exit, 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 board noted that the appointment is aimed at ensuring continuity and stability as the company moves into its next phase.
“To ensure a smooth transition, the Board has appointed Captain George Kamal, the Company’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), as Acting GMD/CEO effective 16 December 2025. The Board will concurrently initiate a competitive recruitment process to appoint a substantive successor,” the statement read.
Commenting on the changes, Kenya Airways reaffirmed its commitment to executing its ongoing turnaround strategy, which focuses on improving operational reliability, long-term sustainability, and supporting the airline’s growth ambitions.
The company also emphasized that the search for a strategic investor, with the backing of shareholders, remains a key short-term priority.
Captain Kamal brings extensive industry experience to the acting role, with more than 29 years of leadership across aviation markets in the Middle East and Africa.
He holds a doctorate in business administration and a master’s degree in aviation management. Over the course of his career, he has risen from frontline operational roles to senior executive positions, playing a key role in the transformation of several airlines.
His previous appointments include serving as Operations Director at Air Arabia and as Chief Operations and Executive Officer at Iraqi Airways, where he was instrumental in driving innovation, digitalisation, and the adoption of advanced aviation systems.
The board concluded by expressing its full support for Captain Kamal as he takes on the interim leadership of Kenya Airways during the transition period.