Ed Bastian memo: Glen retiring after a storied career

Dec. 17, 2025

After more than two decades of extraordinary leadership and service to Delta, Glen Hauenstein has shared with me that he intends to retire, effective Feb. 28. He will continue to serve as a strategic advisor through the end of next year.

Since joining Delta in 2005, Glen’s vision and strategic mindset have been essential in transforming Delta into the leading global airline we are today. Under Glen’s guidance, our global network has grown to include more than 70 international destinations, expanding our reach into Asia, Africa and Latin America. He has been instrumental in building our portfolio of industry-leading joint ventures with top international carriers, strengthening our position across key global markets.

Glen and his team have been central to Delta’s premium strategy, as we evolved over two decades to become the airline of choice for travelers who want to invest in great experiences in the air and on the ground. And his focus on building diverse, durable revenue sources has generated financial results that are second to none, year after year.

Most importantly, Glen has always recognized that the dedication and commitment of Delta’s 100,000 people worldwide are what sets us apart. His impact on Delta, and the industry overall, cannot be overstated. I could not have asked for a better co-pilot to help lead Delta in becoming the best performing airline in the world.

With Glen’s departure, Joe Esposito will become our new E.V.P. – Chief Commercial Officer, overseeing network planning, revenue management, sales and loyalty. Joe has spent much of his 35-year Delta career alongside Glen, leading teams that have built our revenue premium to the industry and our world-class network. No one is better positioned to lead these critical functions as we move into Delta’s second century of flight. Joe will report directly to me.

With these changes, Steve Sear, E.V.P. – Global Sales & Distribution, Dwight James, S.V.P. – Customer Engagement & Loyalty, Paul Baldoni, S.V.P. – Network Planning, Roberto Ioriatti, S.V.P. – International Pricing and Revenue Management, and Ashley Droske Westphal, V.P. – Domestic Pricing and Revenue Management, will report to Joe.

In addition, Eric Phillips, S.V.P. and Chief Digital Officer, will report to Rahul Samant, E.V.P. and Chief Information Officer. Holden Shannon, S.V.P. – Corporate Real Estate, will now report to Peter Carter, Chief External Affairs Officer.

As we look to Delta’s future, it’s evident that our deep leadership bench will continue to set us apart from the competition, as we transform our business for future generations of travelers and employees.

Please join me in thanking Glen for his outstanding contributions and invaluable service to Delta during his storied career. And congratulations to Joe on his expanded leadership role.

Together, we will continue to Keep Climbing.