Habil Waswani appointed KQ acting CEO

Kenya Airways has named Habil Waswani as its acting chief executive officer, effective September 15, following the resignation of Captain George Kamal. The announcement was made by the airline's Board of Directors, which stated that Kamal had stepped down for personal reasons after nearly a year in the executive leadership role. Kamal will remain with the airline for a 30-day transition period before officially leaving on September 30, 2026. Kamal joined Kenya Airways' executive team as Chief Operating Officer in 2023, a position he held for three years prior to becoming Acting Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. During his tenure, he oversaw the stabilization of the airline’s operations and played a key role in guiding the company through its previous leadership transition. The Board praised Kamal for his “commitment, dedication, honour and diligence” and acknowledged his contributions to the airline’s turnaround efforts. It noted that he had led the executive team in implementing Kenya Airways’ ongoing strategy aimed at restoring operational reliability and profitability. Waswani, currently serving as the Company Secretary and Director of Legal Services and Regulatory Compliance, will take on the acting CEO role. He has been with Kenya Airways for over five years and has managed aviation and airline-related legal matters, as well as commercial and corporate law. With more than 24 years of experience in corporate and commercial law, Waswani has previously worked in the banking and insurance sectors. The Board described him as an experienced corporate governance practitioner and emphasized that he has the full support of the organization during the interim period. The Board has initiated a competitive recruitment process to find a permanent Group Managing Director and CEO. This process is expected to conclude shortly. The airline has expressed confidence in Waswani’s ability to lead the company during this time, noting that he has the necessary skills and experience to manage the challenges facing Kenya Airways. The Board also reiterated its commitment to the airline’s turnaround strategy, which includes improving operational efficiency, restoring financial sustainability, and pursuing growth opportunities. Kenya Airways continues to focus on executing its long-term plans, with the goal of enhancing customer satisfaction and ensuring the airline meets its strategic targets. Shareholders have endorsed the current direction of the company, and the Board has assured that the transition will proceed smoothly. The airline’s recent actions reflect a broader effort to stabilize its operations and regain public trust after years of financial difficulties. Waswani’s appointment marks a shift in leadership within the airline, moving from a military background under Kamal to a more corporate and legal-oriented approach. His experience in regulatory compliance and corporate governance is expected to provide a different perspective on managing the airline’s operations. As the acting CEO, Waswani will oversee day-to-day activities while the search for a permanent leader progresses. The Board has indicated that the new CEO will be selected based on merit and the best interests of the company.