Delta Air Lines has named Peter Carter Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, effective July 13. He will replace Richard “Ben” Hirst who will retire in February 2016.

Carter, who will report to Delta’s CEO Richard Anderson, joins the airline from the international law firm of Dorsey & Whitney in Minneapolis where he served as chairman of the board and as a trial partner. He also previously led a trial group of more than 100 lawyers. Carter has handled complex litigation issues for top Fortune 500 companies and has managed a wide range of legal matters including governance issues, regulatory affairs, securities matters and international affairs.

At Dorsey & Whitney, Carter played a significant role in leading the firm’s strategic direction as the chair of the board and co-chair of its Securities Litigation & Enforcement practice group.  He has substantial trial experience and extensive experience in advising boards of directors.

“Peter’s expertise as a business litigator and experience with global matters will serve Delta well,” Anderson said. “The breadth and depth of his law background, experience in leading issues and teams and his alignment with Delta’s values make him a great addition to our leadership team and our continued efforts to influence policy that is important to our industry and our employees.”

Reporting to Carter will be Andrea Newman, Senior Vice President – Government Affairs, Robert Rivkin, Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel – International and Regulatory Affairs and Alan Arnold, Vice President – Deputy General Counsel.

Carter graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1985 and received his J.D. from the University of Minnesota in 1991. He is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and has been recognized by numerous organizations and publications including being named one of the Best Lawyers in America for Bet-the-Company and Commercial Litigation, one of “America’s Leading Business Lawyers” by Chambers USA, Antitrust Lawyer of the year in 2013 by Best Lawyers in America and a “Minnesota Super Lawyer” for several years.  A native of Milwaukee and long-time resident of Minnesota, Peter will be relocating to Atlanta.

Ben Hirst will be assisting in the transition of the legal team and related matters before he retires. In the interim, he will serve as Executive Vice President – Corporate Affairs and Special Counsel.

“Ben has provided strong legal and regulatory leadership for many of Delta’s strategic initiatives,” Anderson said. “He is a highly-respected leader inside and outside of the company and we are grateful for his significant contributions to Delta and the industry.”