Allan Kilavuka. /FILEAllan Kilavuka has exited Kenya Airways as its chief executive officer and group managing director after six years at the helm, the company’s board of directors has said.
In a public notice dated December 16 and signed by company secretary Habil Waswani, the board said Kilavuka has proceeded on terminal leave, while Captain George Kamal, the airline’s chief operating officer (COO), has been appointed to take over on an interim basis.
“The board will concurrently initiate the process to competitively recruit a substantive appointment for the position,” Waswani said.
Kilavuka has been at the helm of Kenya Airways since April 1, 2020, after the board confirmed him following an acting tenure.
He succeeded Sebastian Mikosz.
The board said that during his tenure, Kilavuka served with commitment, dedication, honour and diligence, steering the company through the turbulent Covid-19 period that negatively affected the global aviation sector.
He subsequently oversaw growth in revenues and freight volumes, reaffirming the operational viability of the national carrier.
“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 wish him the best in his future endeavours,” Waswani said.
The board thanked stakeholders for their continued support and reaffirmed its commitment to remaining focused on completing the ongoing turnaround strategy of the airline, including the search for a suitable strategic investor.
In this regard, it said it would support Captain Kamal as he steers the company towards improved operational reliability, sustainability and growth ambitions.
Kamal holds a Doctorate in Business Administration and a Master of Science degree in Aviation Management, and brings with him 29 years of leadership experience across the Middle East and African markets.
He began his career in frontline operations before rising through the ranks to the C-suite, leading the transformation of several airlines through senior executive roles.
He most recently served as Operations Director at Air Arabia and as Chief Operations and Executive Officer at Iraqi Airways.
