Talent within? CEO choice puts spotlight on Indian airlines' HR policies

Foreigners being selected to lead Indian carriers speaks about the companies' succession planning, say experts.

More than 72 per cent of global airline chief executive officers (CEO) are insiders: individuals promoted from within the company, said a study by researchers of Griffith University of Australia in 2019. In that respect, Indian carriers are different.

In quick succession, Air India and IndiGo announced the selection of Campbell Wilson and Pieter Elbers as CEOs. Wilson and Elbers, who come from Scoot and KLM, are seasoned aviation professionals with experience in different departments and geographies. Their experience would also be crucial for Air India and IndiGo as they map strategies to expand globally and increase partnerships. But their