Virgin names American Airlines exec as new CEO
Virgin Atlantic has announced American Airlines executive Craig Kreeger will become its next CEO.
Kreeger, a senior vice president at American’s customer business, will assume the role on February 1 and replaces Steve Ridgway, who will retire after 11 years in the top job.
One of Kreeger’s main tasks will be to work on Virgin’s partnership with Delta Air Lines, announced last month.
Delta agreed to buy a 49% stake in Sir Richard Branson’s airline from Singapore airlines creating a joint venture that would expand Delta’s access to London’s Heathrow Airport and increase competition in the transatlantic market.
The partnership will also offer more competition to the alliance between British Airways and American, which has 60% of the market between the US and London.
Kreeger’s other key job will be to work on Virgin’s new domestic short-haul service in partnership with Irish carrier Aer Lingus.
Kreeger joined AMR Corp’s American Airlines in 1985 as an analyst and spent six years in London heading its international operations.
He also worked on American’s joint ventures with IAG’s British Airways and Iberia across the Atlantic, as well as its partnership with Japanese Airlines in the Pacific.
"Craig is the right person to succeed Steve Ridgway at this dynamic and challenging time for our airline," said Branson, the airline’s president.
"We believe Craig has the experience and passion to drive Virgin Atlantic forward and capitalise on the opportunities created by our new venture with Delta Air Lines."
Diane
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