Allan Kilavuka exits Kenya Airways after six years as Captain George Kamal takes over as acting CEO
Captain George Kamal, who takes over in an acting capacity effective December 16, 2025, is a seasoned aviation executive with more than 29 years of leadership experience across the Middle East and African markets.
Kenya Airways (KQ) Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Allan Kilavuka, has stepped down after six years of leading the national carrier, the Board has announced.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Board said Chief Operating Officer Captain George Kamal will head the airline as acting CEO while it begins the search for a permanent replacement.
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“The Board of Directors of Kenya Airways PIc (‘KQ’) hereby announces that Mr Allan Kilavuka will be exiting the Company as the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (‘GMD/CEO’), as he proceeds on terminal leave ahead of expiry of his contractual tenure. This follows his service at the helm of the airline’s executive leadership for a period of six (6) years,” reads the statement.
The Board praised Kilavuka for his leadership, noting that during his tenure, the airline experienced growth in revenues and freight volumes, strengthening its operational viability.
“During his tenure, Allan served with commitment, dedication, honour and diligence, steering the Company through the turbulent COVID-19 period, which affected the aviation sector negatively. He subsequently oversaw the growth of revenues and freight volumes, reaffirming the operational viability of the airline,” reads the statement.
“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.”
Captain George Kamal, who takes over in an acting capacity effective December 16, 2025, is a seasoned aviation executive with more than 29 years of leadership experience across the Middle East and African markets.
KQ COO Captain George Kamal, who has taken over after KQ CEO Allan Kilavuka. (Photo: Courtesy)
“Rising from frontline operations to the C-suite, he has led the transformation of several airlines through senior executive roles. He has most recently served as Operations Director at Air Arabia, and as Chief Operations & Executive Officer at Iraqi Airways,” the Board said.
It added that Captain Kamal holds a Doctorate in Business Administration and an MSc in Aviation Management.
The Board said it will support Captain Kamal as he leads the airline during this interim period. It also reiterated its focus on completing the ongoing turnaround strategy aimed at securing operational reliability, sustainability and growth, with the support of shareholders.
The strategy includes the search for a suitable strategic investor.
“The Board takes this opportunity to thank all its stakeholders for their continued support,” it said.
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