NAIROBI, Kenya, Sept 1 – Kenya Airways has appointed Company Secretary and Director of Legal Services and Regulatory Compliance Habil Waswani as acting Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, following the resignation of Captain George Kamal.
The leadership change, announced Tuesday, takes effect on September 15, with Kamal set to remain at the national carrier for a 30-day transition period before formally leaving the airline on September 30.
The Board said Kamal had resigned for personal reasons, ending his stint in the airline’s top executive role as KQ continues to implement a turnaround strategy aimed at restoring sustainable profitability and strengthening operational reliability.
Kamal joined KQ’s executive leadership as Chief Operating Officer, a position he held for three years, before taking over as acting CEO during the previous leadership transition.
“Capt. Kamal served with commitment, dedication, honour and diligence,” the Board said, crediting him with helping stabilise the airline’s operations.
The Board said he subsequently led the executive team in implementing the carrier’s ongoing turnaround strategy, although the airline continues to face the challenge of returning to consistent positive financial performance.
Waswani, who has been with Kenya Airways for more than five years, will take charge of the airline as the Board conducts a competitive search for a substantive CEO.
His appointment brings a corporate governance and legal background to the interim leadership position.
He has 24 years of experience in corporate and commercial law and has previously worked in the banking and insurance sectors.
“The Board fully supports the appointment of Mr. Waswani as he takes over the organization’s executive leadership during this interim period,” it said.
Waswani holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Nairobi, a Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law and is a Certified Public Secretary.
He also holds a Global Executive Master of Business Administration from the United States International University in collaboration with Columbia Business School.
The change comes at a critical point for Kenya Airways, which has been pursuing a turnaround programme after years of financial pressure.
Earlier, the airline said its immediate priorities include improving operational reliability, strengthening its financial position and pursuing growth while managing the pressures facing the aviation industry.
KQ said the transition would not alter its broader strategic direction, with shareholders continuing to support the turnaround programme.
