Delta Air Lines names Richard Anderson as New Chief Executive Officer

The Board of Directors of Delta Air Lines has elected Richard H. Anderson to serve as the company’s chief executive officer, succeeding retiring CEO Gerald Grinstein. Anderson has served in top jobs for several major U.S. corporations, including executive vice president of UnitedHealth Group; chief executive officer of Northwest Airlines; staff vice president and deputy general counsel at Continental Airlines; and most recently as a member of Delta’s Board of Directors. Anderson will become CEO effective 1 September 2007.

Daniel A. Carp, chairman of Delta’s Board of Directors said, “Well-qualified with a proven track record in this highly competitive industry, Richard has a demonstrated ability to master the competitive pressures of today’s marketplace with innovation and an unwavering focus on the customer. He brings complementary strengths to Delta’s highly talented leadership team and high admiration for the people of Delta and their recent success in restructuring to become a fiercely competitive airline.”

With Anderson’s appointment, Gerald Grinstein, 75, will retire from his position as CEO and a member of the Board of Directors effective 1 September, concluding his distinguished 20-year tenure as a Delta director.

“It has been a privilege to serve this company and the greatest people in the industry,” Grinstein said. “I have known Richard for a long time. He is a ferocious competitor, thoroughly knowledgeable about airline operations, and understands the link between passenger satisfaction and living up to our service commitments. He has an extensive background in the Far East and Asia, which are among Delta’s next growth opportunities. Richard’s sound judgment and professionalism make him a great addition to Delta’s battle-tested leadership team.”

In addition to Anderson’s appointment, the Board of Directors also confirmed that Chief Financial Officer Edward H. Bastian will be promoted to President and Chief Financial Officer, reporting to Anderson.

Most recently, Anderson served as executive vice president of UnitedHealth Group and president of UnitedHealth’s Commercial Markets Group. Prior to joining UnitedHealth in 2004, he had a 14-year career at Northwest Airlines where he served as vice president and deputy general counsel; senior vice president of Technical Operations and Airport Affairs; executive vice president and chief operating officer; and as chief executive officer from 2001 to 2004. Prior to joining Northwest in 1990, Anderson worked as in-house counsel for Continental Airlines, where he ultimately served as staff vice president and deputy general counsel. Anderson also serves as a member of the Board of Directors for Cargill Inc. and Medtronic Inc.

Anderson holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston and a Juris Doctor degree from South Texas College of Law. He and his wife, Susan, will relocate to the Atlanta area this fall.

Anderson, age 52, will become the eighth CEO in Delta’s 78-year history.

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