Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) today announced the election of James M. Kilts, chairman and chief executive officer of The Gillette Company, to its Board of Directors, effective immediately.

“Jim Kilts brings to the Delta Board leadership skills and immense marketing expertise gained during his tenure as CEO for some of the world’s most successful consumer marketing companies, including Gillette, Nabisco and Kraft Foods,” said Leo F. Mullin, Delta chairman and chief executive officer. “He will further expand the depth and range of Delta’s already strong board membership.”

“Delta is an excellent airline with a long history of outstanding customer service and solid financial performance,” said Kilts. “I look forward to working with Leo Mullin and the Board of Directors as we face the challenge of positioning Delta as a long-term leader in a tough and rapidly changing industry.”

Kilts, 54, was named chairman and CEO of Gillette in January 2001. He had served since January 1998 as president and CEO of Nabisco, which was acquired in December 2000 by Philip Morris Company. Before joining Nabisco, Kilts headed the $27 billion Worldwide Food group of Phillip Morris, where he was executive vice president. Prior to that position, Kilts was President of Kraft USA and Oscar Mayer. He began his career with General Foods Corporation in 1970.

Kilts also serves on the board of directors for the May Department Stores Company and the Whirlpool Corporation, and he is vice chairman of the board for the Grocery Manufacturers of America.

A graduate of Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois, Kilts earned an MBA from the University of Chicago. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees of Knox College and is a member of the Advisory Council of the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business.

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