Earlier this week, we found out American Airlines is reshuffling its executive ranks and expanding the responsibilities of some C-suite members as the carrier looks to close the profit gap it has with chief rivals Delta and United.
“I recognize that there is a meaningful gap between where we are today and where we know American can — and should — be,” American CEO Robert Isom wrote in an internal memo on August 10 that was seen by Skift.
Some of the changes include expanding the responsibilities of chief customer officer Heather Garboden, chief commercial officer Nat Pieper, chief financial officer Devon May, and chief operating officer David Seymour. Steve Neuman will oversee government affairs as current executive vice president Nate Gatten heads for Apple.
“The changes I’ve outlined here are important, but they are just the first step in a series of actions designed to strengthen our team, foster greater alignment and act with greater urgency across the enterprise,” Isom said in the memo.
American is facing more pressure to improve its results. The carrier lowered its annual outlook again in July, while Delta stuck to its original guidance and United increased its outlook.
Skift Global Forum
Airlines are being reordered from the outside, by the platforms, agents, and AI now rewriting how trips get discovered and booked.
This September in New York, Corneel Koster (CEO, Virgin Atlantic), Mark Galardo (Air Canada), and Delta's Scott Jordan take the stage alongside the CEOs of Booking Holdings, Expedia, and Uber, in the room where airline strategy meets the forces reshaping distribution.
SHEERID + SKIFT
A direct booking does not always create a direct relationship. See how verified identity can help airlines build more lasting loyalty.
EDITOR’S PICKS
The Man Who Led Air India’s Return to Tata to Exit. What’s Next for the Airline?
by Peden Doma Bhutia
August 12, 2026
N Chandrasekaran’s departure introduces a leadership transition at Tata Sons at a time when Air India is reporting its largest losses since the Tata acquisition and has just appointed a new CEO.
Air India and IndiGo Just Hired CEOs for Two Very Different Global Goals
by Peden Doma Bhutia
August 6, 2026
Neither airline hired for today’s problems. Air India is trying to make a 600-aircraft expansion look orderly, while IndiGo is trying to ensure its global ambitions don’t arrive before its widebody fleet.
SKIFT PODCAST NETWORK
The airline industry is navigating its most unpredictable period since the pandemic, with fuel prices, geopolitical tensions, premium travel demand, and aircraft shortages reshaping the competitive landscape. Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat break down the data behind the headlines, explaining why airlines remain profitable despite rising costs and unprecedented volatility.
SKIFT TRAVEL 200
How are airlines performing around the world? The Skift Travel 200 pulls the data you need to know to understand the market. Paid subscribers get full access here.
