Nairobi — Kenya Airways (KQ) has appointed Captain George Kamal as its Acting Group Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) following the exit of Allan Kilavuka at the end of his tenure.
In a statement, the airline's Board of Directors said Kilavuka will proceed on terminal leave ahead of the expiry of his contract, marking the end of a six-year stint at the helm of the national carrier.
"The Board and management of Kenya Airways express their sincere gratitude to Mr. Kilavuka for his diligence, service and leadership, and wish him every success in his future endeavours," the statement read.
Captain Kamal, who currently serves as Chief Operating Officer, takes over as Acting GMD/CEO effective December 16, 2025, as the board begins a competitive recruitment process for a substantive chief executive.
He boosts more than 29 years of aviation leadership experience across the Middle East and Africa, having held senior roles including Operations Director at Air Arabia and Chief Operations and Executive Officer at Iraqi Airways. He holds a Doctorate in Business Administration and a Master's degree in Aviation Management.
The board said it will support Captain Kamal during the transition period as the airline continues implementing its turnaround strategy, which includes improving operational reliability, driving sustainable growth and pursuing a strategic investor with shareholder backing.
