Welcome to Episode 12 of The Darlington Podcast!
In this Darlington Connects episode, Julie Lucas ('97), chief advancement officer, catches up with her classmate Dawit Lemma ('97), founder and CEO of Krimson Aviation – an aviation support services company based in Ethiopia and Switzerland since 2015. Julie and Dawit talk about their time at at Darlington and what he's been up to since leaving the Lakeside.
Dawit is a Swiss citizen, but of Ethiopian origin, and has lived and worked all over the world; from Zambia to Afghanistan, the USA to Switzerland - making him a true global citizen. Dawit returned to Ethiopia in 2012, after almost 30 years abroad, as he recognized the thriving potential and opportunities being displayed by Ethiopia’s economic resurgence.He is a graduate of Purdue University, where he earned a degree in Aeronautical Engineering & Flight Technology, followed by an M.Sc. degree in Aviation Management & Marketing from the Basel Business College in Switzerland. Dawit also holds an Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic’s License (American FAA), Commercial Pilot’s License (American FAA, South African CAA, Swiss FOCA/EASA), and an EASA Frozen ATPL.
With over 20 years of experience in the aviation sector across four continents, Dawit has a cache of notable experience garnered at leading companies from around the world, including TAG Aviation, Emirates Airlines, MAF, and Ethiopian Airlines, to name a few. For the past few years, Dawit has been advocating and promoting the growth of business and general aviation in Africa. He served on the Executive Committee of the African Business Aviation Association (AfBAA) as director of membership and events, before being named a board member and the AfBAA president of the AfBAA Ethiopia Chapter. Dawit’s commitment to excellence and achievement has led to Krimson’s rapid growth and sound reputation. Krimson’s mantra of “Achievement through quality and integrity of service” serves as more than just a philosophy but a lifestyle and deep-rooted value that Dawit has applied throughout his education and professional career.
Connect with Dawit on LinkedIn or Twitter.
Every member of the Darlington Community has countless Darlington connections, especially in the work world. By supporting each other's careers and life goals, we are better connecting our students, alumni, parents, parents of alumni, and grandparents.
Please email connect@darlingtonschool.org to get in touch with Blake and Helen or to get involved with the program.
The Darlington Podcast is a collaboration between the Communication, Advancement, and I.T. teams, and is hosted by various members of the faculty and staff. Episodes are released each Thursday morning and available on most podcast platforms (search for The Darlington Podcast in your podcast player). Once new episodes are posted, you'll also be able to find them at www.darlingtonschool.org/podcast. Please subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts so that you'll get the latest episode each week!
The Darlington Podcast intro music was written and performed by Elliot Luitweiler ('22) and Katherine Davidson ('22). Carson Raymond, director of major gifts, lends his voice and editing and production is handled by Jennifer Collins, content manager.
If you have ideas for future episodes or have any questions about The Darlington Podcast, please email communications@darlingtonschool.org.
