by Donald Wood
Last updated: 8:35 AM ET, Mon May 8, 2023
Update: May 9, 2023 at 11:55 a.m. ET
American Airlines Group Inc. followed up last week’s announcement
by revealing that Stephen Johnson has been named Vice Chair and Chief Strategy
Officer. In this expanded role, Johnson will lead and help shape American’s
strategic efforts and initiatives across the enterprise and have responsibility
for American Eagle and American Airlines Cargo.
"This is part of our long-term plan to continue
strengthening our senior leadership team,” said American’s CEO Robert Isom.
“Steve has served as an incredible leader and a trusted advisor to our airline
over the past three decades, and to me personally throughout my first year as
CEO. He will continue to guide our strategy, our focus on the economy and its
impact on our business, and our corporate development, working closely with our
board and senior leadership team. And I know our Regional and Cargo teams will
excel under Steve’s leadership as those businesses continue to evolve and
continue to provide outstanding service to customers throughout our global
network.”
Original Text
American Airlines announced that vice chairman and American
Eagle President and Strategic Advisor, Derek Kerr, would retire from the company
on September 30.
Kerr previously stepped down as chief financial officer at
the end of 2022 after 20 years in the role, which was part of the long-planned
succession process for the airline.
“Derek Kerr is one of the finest and most accomplished
executives in the history of the airline business,” American CEO Robert Isom
said. “I’m proud to call him a friend, and American is very well-positioned for
the future because of his leadership. We wish him well as he begins his retirement.”
American said Devon May was named Kerr’s successor as CFO
and assumed the role on January 1, while Heather Garboden was named Senior Vice
President of Regionals and Cargo in March and will continue to lead American’s
Regional and Cargo work going forward.
Kerr currently leads American’s Regional and Cargo teams and
serves as a strategic advisor to the company. In addition, the industry veteran
has been responsible for nearly half of the carrier’s daily departures with
oversight of the airline’s regional operations.
“I’m incredibly proud of everything we accomplished during
my time at American, US Airways and America West,” Kerr said. “It has been a
tremendous honor to work alongside so many wonderful people the past three
decades, and I consider myself incredibly lucky for the countless memories and
friends I have made along the way.”
“I’m confident Robert, Devon and the rest of the American
Airlines team will continue to chart a profitable path for American and build
an airline that will thrive forever,” Kerr continued.
In March, American announced that AAdvantage
loyalty members can now receive benefits, earn rewards more often and have
more options to customize their travel experiences through Loyalty Point
Rewards.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe
to the daily TravelPulse
newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
