CEO: ‘Girma Wake Laid Foundation for Ethiopian Airlines Success’
ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopian airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew said the airline is enjoying a shining success now, thanks to the foundation that Girma Wake laid during his tenure at the national flag carrier.
The CEO said this in his congratulatory message to Girma, the current board chairman of the Ethiopian Airlines Group for winning the ‘Bego Sew’ Award.
Girma received the award in the Public Service category at the 10th edition of the ‘Bego Sew’ Award held in the presence of President Sahlework Zewde on September 4, 2022.
“On behalf of the management and employees of Ethiopian Airlines Group, I would like to congratulate Girma on receiving the ‘Bego Sew’ Award,” Ethiopian Group CEO Mesfin said
“It is a well-deserved accolade recognizing Girma’s long, dedicated service to Ethiopian Airlines and the entire aviation industry of Africa,”‘ the CEO said.
“Girma has served Ethiopian Airlines for around 37 years in different positions, and laid the foundation for the shining success the airline is enjoying today,” he said. “We wish him more success in the years to come!”
Girma has been serving Ethiopian Airlines Group since 1965 in different capacities, including as Chief Executive Officer.
While he was the CEO, Girma led the successful implementation of Vision 2010 of Ethiopian Airlines, which increased the carrier’s turnover from $491 million in the 2004/05 fiscal year to $1.28 billion in the 2009/10 fiscal year.
During the same period, he also made significant contributions to the establishment of ASKY Airlines which has today become the leading airline in West Africa. Girma has also worked for Gulf Air and DHL Mena in different capacities.
He has served as the Board Chairman of Rwandair and Aviation Advisor to the Rwandan Government. He is currently serving as a Special Advisor to the Togolese Government on aviation matters.
In Africa’s aviation circle, Girma is described as ‘The God Father of Africa’s Aviation’. Since 2017, he has been sponsoring AviaDev Africa, an annual event dedicated to aviation development on the African continent.
A prize in his name, Ato Girma Wake Lifetime Achievement Award, is also awarded each year to the person who has contributed the most to the African aviation sector.
Since March 2022, Girma has been serving as Board Chairman of Ethiopian Airlines Group.
The ‘Bego Sew’ Award, an indigenous non-government awarding agency, was established 10 years ago to recognize individuals for their outstanding contributions in different spheres of life.
