The decision of Delta Air Lines to pick a new chief executive from outside the USA's third-largest carrier was prompted by the need "-to take a fresh look at the way things are done", says Delta board member Gerald Grinstein (Flight International, 20-26 August).
Leo Mullin was hired as Delta's president and chief executive on 15 August. Grinstein - who will not handle the airline's day-to-day business - was named non-executive board chairman. Delta veteran Maurice Worth, who replaced Ronald Allen as Delta's chief on an acting basis, was promoted to chief operating officer in charge of routine airline operations.
The appointment of Mullin, who had served as vice-chairman of Unicom and its chief subsidiary, Commonwealth Edison, the Chicago-area utilities company, breaks with Delta's tradition of promoting from within its own management organisation.
The nationwide search began in April when Delta's board ousted Allen, its long-time chairman and chief executive. Grinstein, a powerful figure on the Delta board, was reportedly instrumental in Allen's downfall at Delta.
Prior to Unicom, Mullin, 54, worked in the banking and railroad industries. Grinstein says Mullin was chosen because of his past strategic planning expertise in highly competitive consumer businesses. His lack of airline experience was ignored.
He says the appointment of Worth, "gave us the confidence to go outside the industry for a new chief executive".
Earlier in Mullin's career he was in charge of strategic planing for rail operator Conrail.
Source: Flight International
