I’d argue that this is the most significant management change we’ve seen at a US airline since Scott Kirby became CEO of United…
In this post:
Delta president Glen Hauenstein retiring in early 2026
Delta has just announced that president Glen Hauenstein is retiring on February 28, 2026, though will continue to serve as a strategic advisor through the end of the year. Hauenstein is 64 years old, and based on the tone of the announcement, it seems like he’s actually leaving on good terms and intending to retire, rather than there being some big drama or ulterior motive. Then again, who really knows…
While a direct replacement for Hauenstein hasn’t been announced, the Atlanta-based carrier did disclose that Joe Esposito has been promoted to Chief Commercial Officer, from SVP of network planning, revenue management, sales, and loyalty.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian published quite the memo praising Hauenstein’s leadership:
“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. “
Meanwhile Hauenstein had the following to say about his retirement:
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve the people and customers of Delta over the past two decades. I want to thank my team members, colleagues, and the entire Delta family for their support and dedication to our shared goal of building the world’s greatest airline. I’m excited to see us embark into our next century under Joe’s leadership.”
Don’t underestimate the significance of this announcement
Delta’s current CEO, Ed Bastian, has been in his role for nearly a decade, since replacing Richard Anderson.
Anderson was really the guy who laid the groundwork for making Delta what it is today — a reliable, people-focused airline. Bastian did a good job following his lead, though I really don’t think he has done much to innovate or rock the boat. He’s a good communicator and spokesperson for Delta, and has been successful in transforming Delta into a premium brand, and somehow getting Tom Brady on the payroll.
But by virtually all accounts, Hauenstein is the real strategy mastermind at Delta nowadays, so whether it’s a competitive route response against American or United, or new basic fare bundles, you know he’s behind it. He’s a much less public figure than Bastian, but that’s because of all the work he’s doing in the background.
With all of that in mind, a few thoughts:
- I’m curious what prompted Hauenstein’s retirement; had he really had enough at 65 years old and is ready to just relax, or did he know he’d never become CEO, or else he might’ve considered staying on?
- Speaking of which, I’m curious if Hauenstein is really retiring, or if he ends up somewhere else in the near future; maybe American, ITA (just because he used to be a senior executive at Alitalia, and that sounds fun), or somewhere else?
- I don’t think this is going to be some sort of game changer in terms of Delta’s strategy, since it’s not like the airline has to make massive changes; it’s easy enough to keep the ship steered in the same direction
- Given that Bastian is 68 years old, I can’t help but wonder who could eventually replace him… is there anyone beyond Esposito who would even be on the radar, given that Delta will definitely promote from within for that role?
Bottom line
Delta president Glen Hauenstein will be retiring as of late February 2026, after decades at the airline, and also several years as the company’s president. While Bastian is the much more public figure, Hauenstein is the guy behind Delta’s strategy, so I’d consider this to be a huge development.
I also find it noteworthy that Bastian is nearing an age where you’d think he might soon retire, which makes you wonder what the plan is in the coming years…
What do you make of Hauenstein’s retirement from Delta, and who do you see eventually replacing Bastian?
It is most significant that Joe Esposito fits DL's model of career employment, starting at the airport and working his way up to overseeing the "brains" of the revenue generating operation at DL.
Hauenstein and Bastian did not start their careers at DL but they still fit the model of career employment at DL, something that is rare in the industry.
Esposito undoubtedly has some of his own ideas but has learned to...
It is most significant that Joe Esposito fits DL's model of career employment, starting at the airport and working his way up to overseeing the "brains" of the revenue generating operation at DL.
Hauenstein and Bastian did not start their careers at DL but they still fit the model of career employment at DL, something that is rare in the industry.
Esposito undoubtedly has some of his own ideas but has learned to understand Hauenstein's mind and execute what his boss wanted.
You know, these days, it is rare for anyone in the corporate world to have stayed at one company for decades (35 years, beginning in.... 1990... niccce), working their way from the bottom-up (starting with customer service in Orlando). So, yeah, three-cheers for loyalty and commitment...
Basically, this guy has found every way possible to rip off Delta's customers. The 70 international destinations are mostly flown on POS 739s and 763s. Miserable. Global leading? What a joke.
Meh, at leas the RUCs and GUCs mostly confirm at booking, unlike PlusPoints and systemwide upgrades (dying on the waitlist, but, hey, at least United will give you a free snackbox as a 1K while you enjoy your exit row after failing to get upfront).
DL is a business. Do you say the same thing every time you walk into a retail location or shop on the internet? if you don't, you should.
businesses are always in a tension between what customers want and what businesses can charge but DL has clearly found that balance better than any airline on the planet.
Tim, yes, yes, the whole 'we're a business, not a charity... we know. This owners-management-workers-consumers spectrum is quite the 'fun' tug-of-war, especially when 'owners' are increasingly the big banks and the product is credit-card-loyalty-programs, more so than flying planes and serving passengers. Where will this all go in the coming decades?
A big change for Delta as Glen Hauenstein steps into retirement after years of shaping the airline’s growth and premium direction. His impact on Delta’s success is hard to ignore. Wishing him all the best and curious to see how the next chapter unfolds for the airline.
Ben S, "Given that Bastian is 68 years old, I can’t help but wonder who could eventually replace him… is there anyone beyond Esposito who would even be on the radar, given that Delta will definitely promote from within for that role?"
That's the question. Succession planning anyone? Who followed Crandall, Herb or Bethune?
A 64 y/o with a 20-year employment history, finishing with a high-ranking position within Delta... I bet his pension pot must be pretty juicy. I salute people who know when to stop working, and start enjoying their retirement...if this is also his case, that is...
Work should not, and cannot, be everything.
Perhaps some temp consulting that pays a fat cheque from time to time... But that's all
My excuse for reading/posting herein is that although I am retired, I still have a thirst for knowledge. Some commenters provoke comments.
Others like Eskimo simply post to cause a reaction upon which they can feed their addiction. One is obliging on occasion.
Now 1990, is a slightly different organ grinders monkey. A monkey who believes that the readership should be treated like mushrooms …. keep in the dark while being fed on...
My excuse for reading/posting herein is that although I am retired, I still have a thirst for knowledge. Some commenters provoke comments.
Others like Eskimo simply post to cause a reaction upon which they can feed their addiction. One is obliging on occasion.
Now 1990, is a slightly different organ grinders monkey. A monkey who believes that the readership should be treated like mushrooms …. keep in the dark while being fed on his BS. All day and every day he tries to convince us that he is just another interested reader, really? No! Not on your life Gunga Din!
You have quite the imagination. Besides, (many, but not all) mushrooms are delicious and nutritious. Why you gotta bring Kipling into this? I presume you were thinking of the film... yeah, quite the use of 'makeup' in that one... oof, a different time.
@1990 no dude has an imagination like you full of bull s*it
Guest 'Aero,' thanks for not impersonating me, for now, at least...
These comments are so cringe. Already people salivating and waiting for Tim to say something, but they're also the same people that will whine about it when he actually does.
Live a little.
Ok fake Julia
I could swear I have seen this guy as a commenter on OMAAT before, yes?
Tim did you submit your resume yet?
Getting fired doesn't disqualify you again right?
That's not very nice.
LOL. Tim don’t need that job or your pity.
Had to walk away before his Seattle project collapses
This could be good for customers. Hauenstein hated Delta elites.
Only in America someone retiring at 64 raises eyebrows, should be long retired already
Seriously. And 79 is way too old, too.
*cough*
I am sure my learned son, Tim Dunn, will be the next President of Delta. He will make the airline great again.
Well someone need to take over AA, and that I thought would be Ben Smith, but here another option.
I thought Ed Bastian was still in the role??
Many companies have CEO and President, sometimes as the same or as different people; Delta has Bastian (CEO) and had Hauenstein (President); United does this too (Kirby, Hart); however, Isom at American’s does both roles.
A good CEO (for a publicly listed company) is a good communicator and brand executor.
It's the folks one rung down, like Glen who do the heavy lifting.
Most importantly, everyone should be comfortable in their role and enjoy it. Hopefully Glen is exiting with an embroidered cushion that recognizes the success he has brought to the entire team.
Suddenly, I want a ham sandwich.
*indicted*
He learned from the best - Gordon Bethune
I guess he couldn't generate any more profits through devaluations. Good riddance.
That comment cost you 750,000 SkyPesos! And the best we can get you is Delta Comfort to Albuquerque. Enjoy your Biscoff.
wow... 2 comments and I am in both of them.
Hauenstein is the smartest people in US aviation regardless of what Scott Kirby thinks of himself.
That said, Delta will move on without a ripple. Joe Esposito has been at Delta for a very long time and has been well schooled on the strategies that Hauenstein has used.
I'm not sure what Bastian is waiting for. If anything, having Hauenstein retire makes it less likely...
wow... 2 comments and I am in both of them.
Hauenstein is the smartest people in US aviation regardless of what Scott Kirby thinks of himself.
That said, Delta will move on without a ripple. Joe Esposito has been at Delta for a very long time and has been well schooled on the strategies that Hauenstein has used.
I'm not sure what Bastian is waiting for. If anything, having Hauenstein retire makes it less likely that Bastian will walk away in the next year; Wall Street doesn't like to see lots of exec changes in a short period of time
Bastian comes across as more of a politician than an executive (yes many executives lean that direction but they typically aren’t breakthrough memorable executives)
Tim, you’re Mr. Delta to most of us.
just between us, 1990, I think Hauenstein is going to get a lot of announcements out the door before he retires.
Expect a busy first two months of 2026 for DL announcements.
(you are duly advised, Ben)
Woohoo! I’m strapped-in and buckled-up. Turbulence or smooth sailing. Let’s go!
Well said, Mr. Dunn. Glen Hauenstein is the brains behind the operation.
and yet Delta is as strong as it is because it does not live on the shoulders of any one person.
That is unlike how Scott Kirby thinks and operates - or Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos or any other icon of business.
At least Kirby has Hart; it's Isom who's a one-man-show. I'm always down for trashing Elon and Jeff; those two have not been good stewards of their great wealth or influence, lately. Much prefer what MacKenzie has done with her 'half.'
Wow, big news! Wait a second does anyone hear that sound? Hmm, wait it's getting louder!! Even louder!!! Ahhhhh what is that!?!?
Oh wait...
That's just the sound of Tim crashing out. Carry on!
Timothy, comment?
So who would you consider the person who drove the SkyMiles devaluation, the push for dynamic pricing, and the basic lack of value the SkyPesos program offers to their customers that it's famously known for.
Did Hauenstein get Biffle'd?
Well, Tim, what are we supposed to think about all this?