Delta Air Lines’ CEO Jerry Grinstein today announced executive changes designed to realign and
strengthen the company’s leadership team as Delta continues to execute its
transformation plan and intensify its efforts to improve its financial and
operational performance in the face of spiking fuel costs and other external
forces.“Thanks to the hard work and sacrifice of everyone at Delta, our airline
has made significant progress since the launch of our transformation plan last
year,” Grinstein said. “Persistently high fuel prices and increased
competitive pressures have added new urgency to our efforts. Today our airline
must be prepared not only to deliver more, but to deliver it more quickly.”
  To ensure the executive team is organized for maximum effectiveness and
delivery on the company’s strategic goals, Grinstein announced the following
changes:
    - Jim Whitehurst, currently Senior Vice President and Chief Network and Planning Officer, is promoted to Chief Operating Officer. He will assume oversight for Operations, Customer Service, Network and Revenue Management and Corporate Strategy. In his new role, Whitehurst will
help provide the fast, seamless coordination between strategy and
execution that will be essential in the critical period ahead.
    - Joe Kolshak, currently Senior Vice President and Chief of Operations,
is promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief of Operations, with
new responsibilities for Government Affairs.
    - Lee Macenczak, currently Senior Vice President and Chief of Customer
Service, is promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief of Customer
Service, with added responsibilities for Public Affairs.
    - Paul Matsen, currently Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing
Officer, is promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing
Officer, with new responsibilities for Delta Technology and Corporate
Communications.

  Two new additions to the senior leadership team also were announced:
  Edward H. Bastian, a six-year Delta veteran, has returned to the company
to become Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective
immediately. Bastian was Chief Financial Officer at Acuity Brands, Inc.,
following his most recent service to Delta as Senior Vice President - Finance
and Controller. He replaces Michael J. Palumbo, who recently expressed a
desire to pursue other opportunities and asked the company to consider when it
might be appropriate to make a transition. “Michael provided strong leadership
for our company and we are extremely grateful for his contributions,” said
Grinstein. “We are fortunate to have Ed back in the senior financial role,
given his track record of strategic leadership at Delta. His expertise and
detailed knowledge of Delta’s finances and strategy will ensure consistency
and a smooth transition.”
  Glen W. Hauenstein, a 20-year veteran of the airline industry, is also
joining Delta as Executive Vice President and Chief of Network and Revenue
Management beginning August 1. Hauenstein was most recently Vice General
Director for Alitalia, serving in the dual role of Chief Commercial Officer as
well as Chief Operating Officer.
  “These changes further strengthen an already battle-tested leadership team
whose members have proven their ability to develop and execute an aggressive,
innovative strategy in the most challenging of times,” said Grinstein.
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