Richard Anderson to succeed as Chairman of Delta Airlines’ Board

By Isaac Tersoo Agber

 Mr. Richard H. Anderson, Delta Air Lines’ Chief Executive Officer, has proudly earned a bagful of accolades as he takes on the saddle of Executive Chairman of the Delta Air Lines Board of Directors in May, 2016, the airline has announced.

In a statement issued to aviation correspondents in Lagos, Nigeria, the airline’s Board of Directors announced that Anderson has chosen to retire as CEO effective May 2, 2016.  And he would be elevated to the very peak post on the airline’s managerial ladder same date.

The Board of Directors described Anderson as an embodiment of outstanding skills that brought significant success to the airline. It also thanked him for his selfless service that endeared other members of staff, wishing him well as he moves to the top level.

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“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.

“Under Richard’s leadership, Delta has become the most profitable and best run airline that consistently delivers excellent customer service.  The entire Board of Directors extends a hearty thanks for his service, his leadership and his thoughtful succession planning process.  This succession plan has been several years in the making and will keep Delta on top of the global industry.” said Dan Carp, current Chairman of the Board.

Anderson’s elevation will see Ed Bastian, President of Delta, appointed CEO effective May 2, 2016 and Glen Hauenstein, Executive Vice President, will be appointed President of Delta, also effective May 2, 2016, the statement read.

Meanwhile, Gil West is promoted immediately to Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, the statement confirmed.

In a clear expression of thanks and approval for the appointment of Ed, Glen and Gil, 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.

“I hold Ed, Glen and Gil in the highest esteem, both personally and professionally, and have every confidence that they will lead Delta to even higher levels of performance.” said Anderson.

The board believed that “Ed Bastian will lead the best management team in the global industry,” said Dan Carp. According to him, Delta’s succession planning and executive development has produced the top performing executive team in the global airline industry.

The airline also appointed Steve Sear, as President International and Executive Vice President Global Sales.  Steve will lead the Atlantic, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America organizations in addition to global sales.

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And upon Anderson’s appointment as Executive Chairman on May 2, 2016, Frank Blake, a current Delta Director, will be appointed Lead Director of the Delta Air Lines Board of Directors, the statement read.

The succession plan will bring to an end Dan Carp’s service as the Executive Chairman of the Board. He will “step down as non-executive Chairman and remain on the Board of Directors of Delta.”

“Dan Carp has been an excellent mentor and colleague as the Chairman of Delta since 2007, overseeing the remarkable resurgence of Delta as the recognized leader of the global aviation business,” said Anderson.