Delta Airlines unveiled sweeping changes to its executive leadership structure Thursday, repositioning key executives as the airline prepares for the departure of a veteran operations leader.
The airline announced that Chief Financial Officer Dan Janki will transition to the role of chief operating officer, while Peter Carter receives a promotion to president. These organizational shifts become effective April 1.
The leadership transition stems from the upcoming retirement of John Laughter, who has overseen Delta’s daily operations and its TechOps maintenance division. Laughter will continue with the airline until April 30.
CEO Ed Bastian praised Laughter’s contributions, noting he played a crucial role in rebuilding the TechOps division following Delta’s 2005 bankruptcy proceedings, managed the integration with Northwest Airlines, and navigated the company’s operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In his new position, Janki will oversee significant operational areas including flight operations, cabin service, booking systems, customer support, and safety protocols. Erik Snell, currently serving as chief customer experience officer, will step into Janki’s former finance position.
Carter’s expanded presidential role will encompass enterprise strategy alongside his existing oversight of global policy, legal affairs, Delta’s international operations, property management, and sustainability initiatives.
Additional executive moves include Alain Bellemare taking on the chairman role for Delta TechOps, while Chief Marketing Officer Alicia Tillman will be leaving the company. Ranjan Goswami will expand his duties as chief marketing and product officer.
Bastian emphasized that these organizational changes demonstrate Delta’s leadership capabilities and commitment to developing executives who will lead the airline’s future growth.
These adjustments continue reshaping Delta’s senior management team following the retirement of President Glen Hauenstein last month, who had developed the airline’s premium-focused business approach.
Despite the executive changes, Bastian has stated publicly that he has no retirement plans and expects to continue leading Delta for years to come.
