American Airlines names Gus Whitcomb to Head Corporate Communications

American Airlines today named Gus Whitcomb Acting Managing Director – Corporate Communications. Whitcomb currently is Managing Director – Strategic Communications at the company.

He replaces Tim Doke, currently Vice President – Corporate Communications, who is leaving the company to become Vice President – Communications at Dell. Doke will continue with American through a transition period.

Whitcomb, 42, is a 15-year veteran of public relations. He joined American initially in 1993 after being Manager – Public Relations at Aloha Airlines. He left AA for an interim period where he served as Director – Corporate Communications at America West Airlines and in the same capacity at Greenwich Air Services (GE Engines). Prior to returning to American in 2000, Whitcomb was an Account Director with Neale May & Partners in the Silicon Valley. He holds a B.A. in Communications from California State University, Fullerton.

"We are fortunate to have the depth of talent and someone with Gus’ background and experience in our industry and at American Airlines ready to step in to lead our Corporate Communications group at a critical time for our company," said Dan Garton, Executive Vice President – Marketing. "We appreciate Tim’s contributions to American and his willingness to work with Gus through a transition period."

Doke will be based at Dell’s Austin headquarters where he will have responsibility for the company’s financial and general media relations, public affairs (including the Dell Foundation), employee communications and executive visibility programs for Michael Dell, Chairman and CEO, and Kevin Rollins, President and COO.