Alaska Air Group announces leadership changes with new CEO

Alaska Air Group has announced that Diana Birkett Rakow will become CEO of Hawaiian Airlines with effect from October 29. She previously served as Senior Vice President of Public Affairs and Sustainability at Alaska Airlines, and will succeed Joe Sprague, who will retire following a long career at Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air and Hawaiian Airlines.

Diana Birkett Rakow will be based in Honolulu, the company’s second-largest hub after Seattle, and will be responsible for the long-term performance and growth of the Hawaiian Airlines brand and Alaska Air Group’s business in Hawai‘i. She will support the company’s guests and more than 6,600 employees across the Islands. Birkett Rakow will continue to report to Ben Minicucci, CEO of Alaska Air Group, and will remain a member of the company’s Executive Committee. Her role will also continue to encompass oversight of company-wide sustainability and venture investment strategies.

“Hawai‘i and the Hawaiian Airlines brand are critical to Alaska Air Group’s future and key to our vision of connecting the world to a remarkable travel experience rooted in safety, care and performance. Diana has proven herself over an established career as a leader who builds strong teams, delivers results and cares deeply about people and culture. She will be a tireless advocate for the Hawaiian Airlines brand and for Hawai‘i, and I’m confident she will lead with authenticity and vision” commented Ben Minicucci, CEO Alaska Air Group.

“I’m deeply grateful to Joe for his tremendous contributions to Alaska Air Group over the past 25 years. Joe has served Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air, and most recently Hawaiian Airlines, by prioritizing culture and creating deep connections with employees and communities, while driving results” added Minicucci. “All those who know Joe, know that he is all-in for the people and purpose of Air Group – and I especially appreciate how he has brought that spirit to his time in Hawai‘i, ensuring that Hawaiian Airlines – its people and its brand – is set up as a strong and enduring part of our team and company.”

In a related move, Kyle Levine, currently Senior Vice President, Legal, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at Alaska Air Group, will be promoted to Executive Vice President, Corporate and Public Affairs, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary. In this role, Levine will take on responsibility for public and government affairs, including the company’s corporate philanthropy, as well as sales and community marketing in the Alaska region, alongside his existing duties overseeing legal, compliance and corporate governance functions. Levine has served as Chief Legal Officer for 10 years and led the legal functions for the acquisitions of Virgin America and Hawaiian Airlines. He is a member of the Executive Committee and has held various legal roles within the group since joining in 2006.