Oneworld alliance names new CEO

The oneworld® airline alliance, which unites 13 international airlines, has named airline industry veteran Nathaniel (Nat) Pieper (pictured) as its new CEO. Pieper, who is currently senior vice-president of fleet, finance and alliances at oneworld member Alaska Airlines, will take up the new role on 1 April 2024. Oman Air is set to join as the 14^th member of the alliance later this year. Oneworld’s previous CEO, Rob Gurney, announced his departure last year. As CEO, Pieper will lead oneworld through its 25th anniversary celebration year and focus on strengthening the alliance between its partners. He will report to the alliance’s Governing Board, comprised of the member airline CEOs. Robert Isom, American Airlines chief executive officer and oneworld alliance chairman said: “We are excited to welcome Nat Pieper into the role of CEO at oneworld and look forward to the alliance continuing its journey of innovation and collaboration under his leadership.” In his current position at Alaska Airlines, Pieper orchestrated the airline’s entrance into oneworld, executed aircraft transactions valued over $9bn, and secured access to $5 n in liquidity to ensure Alaska viability through the pandemic. Previously, Pieper held executive positions at Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines overseeing international, strategic, alliance and financial functions. Pieper said: “In my airline career, I have admired from afar and now experienced first hand the influence and benefits the oneworld alliance brings to an airline and its customers. I am thrilled to join the oneworld family and look forward to working with all of the best-in-class carriers that are part of our alliance.”