Delta Air Lines Announces Major Executive Shakeup

CEO Ed Bastian announces new roles for several top leaders as longtime COO retires.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Delta Air Lines announced significant changes to its executive leadership team, with CEO Ed Bastian sending a company-wide memo outlining new roles for several high-level positions. The airline's longtime Chief Operating Officer John Laughter is retiring after 30 years, and Bastian has named Dan Janki as the new COO. Bastian also promoted Peter Carter to President of Delta, and appointed Ranjan Goswami as the new Chief Marketing and Product Officer, replacing Alicia Tillman who is leaving the company.

Why it matters

These leadership changes at the top of Delta come as the airline industry continues to navigate the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Maintaining strong operational and marketing leadership will be critical for Delta as it works to solidify its position as a top U.S. carrier and the "brand of choice" for customers.

The details

In his memo to employees, Bastian emphasized the need for Delta to "operate as one team" with a strong, people-focused culture. The new executive roles will see Dan Janki take over as Chief Operating Officer, replacing the retiring John Laughter. Peter Carter has been promoted to President of Delta, while Ranjan Goswami will become the new Chief Marketing and Product Officer, succeeding Alicia Tillman who is leaving the company.

  • On March 5, 2026, Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian announced the executive leadership changes in a company-wide memo to employees.

The players

Ed Bastian

Chief Executive Officer of Delta Air Lines.

John Laughter

Longtime Chief Operating Officer of Delta Air Lines who is retiring after 30 years with the airline.

Dan Janki

The new Chief Operating Officer of Delta Air Lines, replacing the retiring John Laughter.

Peter Carter

The new President of Delta Air Lines, promoted by CEO Ed Bastian.

Ranjan Goswami

The new Chief Marketing and Product Officer of Delta Air Lines, replacing Alicia Tillman who is leaving the company.

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What they’re saying

“Our success always relies on our ability to operate as one team, with shared values that reflect and strengthen our people-focused culture, elevating Delta to be the brand of choice for our customers.”

— Ed Bastian, Chief Executive Officer (Delta Air Lines)

What’s next

The leadership changes announced by Delta Air Lines are effective immediately, as the company works to position itself for continued success in the post-pandemic aviation industry.

The takeaway

Delta's executive shakeup demonstrates the airline's commitment to developing strong internal talent and maintaining a cohesive, people-focused culture as it navigates the industry's recovery. The new leadership team will be tasked with upholding Delta's reputation as a top U.S. carrier and enhancing the customer experience.