A new leadership team has been announced by Delta Air Lines following chief executive Richard Anderson’s decision to retire in May.
The US carrier’s president, Ed Bastian, will be appointed chief executive from May 2 and executive vice president, Glen Hauenstein, will take over as president of Delta.
Anderson, who has been chief since 2007, will be elevated to executive chairman of the board of directors to succeed existing non-executive chairman Dan Carp, who will remain on the board.
Gil West is promoted immediately to senior executive vice president and chief operating officer.
Steve Sear is appointed as president international and executive vice president global sales to lead the airline’s Atlantic, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America organisations in addition to global sales.
Frank Blake, a current Delta director, will be appointed lead director.
Carp said: “Richard has been an outstanding leader and CEO. His unique combination of strategic and operating skills, plus his commitment to employees, corporate culture, customers and shareholders has redefined Delta and led to an entirely new and better way of flying around the world.
“This succession plan has been several years in the making and will keep Delta on top of the global industry.
“Ed Bastian will lead the best management team in the global industry.”
Anderson said: “Ed has been a critical part of Delta’s success. He is an exceptional leader and has been an invaluable partner in leading the remarkable transformation of Delta over the last decade.
“Likewise, Glen and Gil are extraordinary leaders who have led the transformation of Delta’s network, product and operations.”