Delta Air Lines president Glen Hauenstein will retire next year, the company announced in a memo to staff on Wednesday (December 17).
Hauenstein will retire on February 28, 2026, after joining Delta in 2005.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian said Hauenstein will continue to serve as a strategic advisor until the end of 2026.
“Glen’s vision and strategic mindset have been essential in transforming Delta into the leading global airline we are today,” said Bastian.
Hauenstein played a significant role in transforming Delta from a primarily domestic operation to one with a global footprint. Hauenstein was key to driving Delta's premium and revenue strategy, building highly experienced commercial teams to establish its leading position in the sector.
Prior to joining Delta, Hauenstein had served as vice general director for Alitalia and SVP for Continental Airlines.
With his retirement, Delta SVP of network planning, pricing, and revenue management Joe Esposito has been promoted to EVP and chief commercial officer. He will report to Bastian.
With these changes, the company's EVP of global sales and distribution Steve Sear, SVP of customer engagement and loyalty Dwight James, SVP of network planning Paul Baldoni, SVP of international pricing and revenue management Robert Ioriatti, and VP of domestic pricing and revenue management Ashley Westphal, will all report to Esposito.