Kenya Airways PLC (KQ) has announced a leadership transition at the top of the airline, with Capt. George Kamal is resigning as Acting Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer for personal reasons.
The airline’s Board of Directors said Kamal will remain in service for a 30-day transition period before formally exiting on September 30, 2026.
Habil Waswani appointed Acting CEO
The Board has appointed Habil Waswani, Kenya Airways’ Company Secretary, Director of Legal Services and Regulatory Compliance, as Acting Group Managing Director and CEO.
His appointment takes effect on September 15, 2026.
Waswani will lead the airline during the interim period as the Board undertakes a competitive recruitment process to identify a substantive Group Managing Director and CEO.
The leadership change comes as Kenya Airways continues implementing its turnaround strategy, with the airline seeking to improve operational reliability, restore sustainable positive financial performance and achieve its growth ambitions.
Mohamed Hersi: How mess at JKIA affects Kenya Airways
George Kamal’s tenure at Kenya Airways
Capt. George Kamal joined the airline’s executive leadership as Chief Operating Officer (COO), a position he held for three years.
He subsequently became Acting Group Managing Director and CEO, where he helped lead the airline through its latest executive leadership transition and continued to oversee implementation of the ongoing turnaround strategy.
In announcing his resignation, the Board recognised Kamal for his commitment, dedication and extensive aviation experience.
The Board said his contribution included helping stabilise Kenya Airways’ operations during his tenure as COO and subsequently leading the company through an executive leadership transition.
Kamal will formally leave the airline on September 30, 2026, following the transition period.
Who is Habil Waswani?
Waswani brings more than 24 years of corporate and commercial legal experience to the acting CEO position.
He has worked at Kenya Airways for more than five years, where he has been responsible for aviation and airline-related legal matters, as well as corporate and commercial law.
Before joining Kenya Airways, Waswani held senior positions in the legal and corporate governance functions of leading banking and insurance institutions.
His professional background also includes corporate governance and regulatory compliance, areas that are particularly relevant to the management of a publicly listed company.
Allan Kilavuka leaves KQ, Captain George Kamal named new Acting CEO
Education and professional qualifications
Waswani holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree from the University of Nairobi and a Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law.
He is also a Certified Public Secretary.
He completed a Global Executive Master of Business Administration (GEMBA) programme offered by United States International University in collaboration with Columbia Business School at Columbia University in New York.
Waswani is a member of the Law Society of Kenya, the Institute of Certified Secretaries of Kenya and the Institute of Directors of Kenya.
He has also been recognised in The Legal 500, reflecting his standing and experience within the legal profession.
Kenya Airways continues its turnaround strategy
The leadership transition comes at a critical stage for Kenya Airways as the national carrier continues working to strengthen its financial and operational position.
The airline’s Board said the turnaround strategy remains focused on three major objectives: improving operational reliability, returning the company to sustainable positive financial performance and achieving targeted growth ambitions.
The appointment of an acting CEO provides continuity while the Board searches for a permanent executive to lead the airline.
For Kenya Airways, the substantive appointment will be significant because the incoming CEO will be expected to balance operational performance, financial sustainability, customer experience, fleet and network considerations, and the broader strategic direction of the national carrier.
Five reasons for Kenyans to keep flying Kenya Airways (KQ)
What the leadership change means for Kenya Airways
The immediate priority is likely to be continuity rather than a change in strategic direction.
The Board has indicated that the airline remains committed to its existing turnaround strategy. Waswani therefore assumes leadership at a time when execution, operational discipline and financial performance remain central to the company’s recovery.
His extensive experience in legal, regulatory and corporate governance matters could also provide continuity in managing the airline’s relationships with regulators, commercial partners, shareholders and other stakeholders during the transition.
The longer-term direction of Kenya Airways, however, will ultimately depend on the substantive CEO who is appointed following the competitive recruitment process.
Kenya Airways leadership transition at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Outgoing Acting CEO | Capt. George Kamal |
| Reason for resignation | Personal reasons |
| Formal exit | September 30, 2026 |
| Incoming Acting CEO | Habil Waswani |
| Effective date | September 15, 2026 |
| Recruitment | Competitive search for substantive CEO underway |
| Waswani’s experience | More than 24 years |
| Kenya Airways tenure | More than 5 years |
| Current role | Company Secretary, Director Legal Services & Regulatory Compliance |
| Key focus | Operational reliability, financial sustainability and growth |
Kenya Airways said the Board and management are grateful to Capt. Kamal for his service and leadership, and wished him well in his future endeavours.
The Board also expressed its support for Waswani as he assumes the airline’s executive leadership during the interim period.
For Kenya Airways, the next substantive CEO appointment will be closely watched as the airline seeks to convert its turnaround strategy into sustained operational and financial performance.
