Boeing Announces Henok Teferra Shawl As New Managing Director For Boeing Africa

Boeing has said that Henok Teferra Shawl is its new Managing Director for Africa. According to Boeing, he will be based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where Boeing plans to open an office early 2024. He will be reporting to Kuljit Ghata-Aura, President, Boeing Middle East, Türkiye, Africa & Central Asia.

“We’re thrilled to share that Henok Teferra Shawl is our new managing director for Boeing Africa, based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia,” Boeing announced in December 2023. “Teferra Shawl’s role will be pivotal in strengthening our operations across the entire African continent.”

With an impressive career history in aviation, regulatory affairs, and government relations, Teferra Shawl brings a wealth of experience to his new position, Boeing also said, adding: “This appointment will align seamlessly with our sales and marketing team, led by Anbessie Afework Yitbarek, focusing on our African customers.”

Teferra Shawl is grounded in the aviation industry in Africa, with extensive experience in the public and private sectors. He served as the Chief Executive Officer of ASKY Airlines from May 2015 to October 2017, and Vice President Strategic Planning & Alliances at Ethiopian Airlines from October 2017 to February 2019. 

Teferra was also the former Ambassador of Ethiopia to France, Spain, Portugal, The Holy See and Monaco. He was also the Chief External Affairs and Regulatory Officer Safaricom Telecommunications Ethiopia PLC from May 2023 to Nov 2023. He holds a Masters in International law from University of Paris, Panthéon-Sorbonne, and is an expert on legal, political and security issues.

Teferra Shawles is skilled in negotiation, advocacy, operations management, international relations and corporate communications which will be useful in his new role as Boeing Managing Director, Africa.