Big changes are in store for the leadership team at one major United States airline.
American Airlines has announced several notable departures and promotions on its executive team, according to a report from The Dallas Morning News, which viewed an internal memo from CEO Robert Isom sent to employees on August 10.
The airline’s chief communications officer, Ron DeFeo, is stepping down.
Nate Gatten, American’s executive vice president of American Eagle, corporate real estate and government affairs, is leaving the airline for another company.
Kevin Brickner, the carrier’s senior vice president of technical operations, is retiring after three decades in aviation.
Additionally, at the beginning of the summer Steve Johnson, American’s vice chair and chief strategy officer, announced he would be retiring at the end of 2026 as well.
The leadership changes come after American’s flight attendants’ union (APFA) issued a unanimous no-confidence vote in Isom earlier this year.
At issue for the union were profits that were markedly lower than competitors United and Delta, as well as a bungled response to winter storms that left staff stranded across the U.S.
American reported an annual net income of $111 million for 2025, compared to $5 billion at Delta and $3 billion at United.
“From abysmal profits earned to operational failures that have front-line Workers sleeping on floors, this airline must course-correct before it falls even further behind,” APFA President Julie Hedrick said at the time of the no-confidence vote. “This level of failure begins at the very top, with CEO Robert Isom.”
However, it appears that Isom will continue to maintain his position as CEO.
“I recognize that there is a meaningful gap between where we are today and where we know American can — and should — be,” Isom wrote in the memo, according to Skift.
The airline is also promoting several existing executives to new or expanded roles to cover the gaps left by departing leaders.
Among the shifts is an expanded role for chief customer officer Heather Garboden, who is currently overseeing the airline’s premium product growth plan that includes new airport lounges and increased premium seats. Garboden’s purview will now include reservations, contact centers, service recovery, and catering.
Here’s a look at the other leadership shifts at American, according to The Dallas Morning News:
- Caroline Clayton will now oversee communications in addition to being American’s senior vice president of communications and chief marketing officer.
- Steve Neuman will oversee government affairs, sustainability, and the Office of Continued Care and Outreach, reporting to Isom.
- Devon May will expand his role as chief financial officer to also oversee corporate real estate.
- John Bendoraitis is joining American and will lead tech operations.
- JC Gulbranson will expand his role as a flight operations executive to oversee airports, planning, flight, in-flight and the integrated operations center.
- Cole Brown’s people team will now include recognition and engagement.
- Nat Pieper, currently the airline’s chief commercial officer, will also oversee marketing, brand, advertising, and partnerships, but the airline is looking for a new marketing leader.
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