Samson Bekele

Samson Arega Bekele's journey in the world of aviation and business began with his exceptional academic achievements. After graduating top of his class with a BA (honors) in International Trade & Investment Management in Ethiopia, he furthered his education with a Master’s degree from the University of Mississippi, USA, where he graduated with honors and was inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. His deep dive into the aviation sector was further bolstered by his time at the Ethiopian Airlines Aviation Academy. Samson's commitment to continuous learning led him to Harvard Business School, where he completed a certificate program in Business Analytics, Economics for Managers, and Financial Accounting. This rigorous program equipped him with cutting-edge skills in data analysis, economic theory, and accounting principles. Additionally, Samson expanded his executive education at the prestigious London Business School, further sharpening his leadership and business acumen.

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Beginning as an Assistant Marketing Officer in Ethiopian Airlines’ Commercial Division, Samson quickly made a mark with his keen analytical skills. His career saw a swift ascent, moving to the Sales and Marketing Directorate in Addis Ababa, where he gained crucial industry insights. Progressing through various roles, he became the Country Manager in Kuwait, significantly contributing to the airline's growth and operational efficiency. Samson's exemplary leadership in Kuwait paved the way for his appointment as Country Manager for Canada, where he led significant brand growth and managed crucial operations during the challenging Covid pandemic. His success in Canada led to his current role as the Regional Director for Ethiopian Airlines in the USA, where he oversees a major segment of the airline's operations.

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Samson's professional excellence has been recognized with numerous accolades. He was honored as the 2021 Business-person of the Year by The Nigerian & Canadian Business Network (NCBN) and received an Honorary Doctorate from Trinity International University of Ambassadors-Florida. His contributions were further acknowledged with the US Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award and the title of Honorary Citizen of Georgia.

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Samson is known for his strategic vision and expertise in Negotiation, Business Planning, Analytics, Sales, and more. His leadership is characterized by his ability to forge strategic partnerships and his dedication to enhancing Ethiopian Airlines' global connectivity. As a respected figure in decision-making and partnership building, Samson Bekele remains a pivotal figure in the aviation industry.

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