American Airlines has announced the appointment of Nathaniel “Nat” Pieper as its new chief commercial officer, effective November 3, 2024. Pieper, who currently serves as the CEO of the Oneworld alliance, steps into this pivotal role as American Airlines aims to enhance its competitive edge against major rivals, including Delta and United Airlines.
In his new position, Pieper will oversee the airline’s commercial strategy, which encompasses planning and performance across various sectors such as partnerships, alliances, cargo operations, co-branded credit card programs, loyalty initiatives, and network planning. Additionally, he will co-lead the customer experience team alongside David Seymour, the chief operating officer of American Airlines.
The appointment of Pieper also brings changes to the airline’s leadership structure. Steve Johnson, who has been serving as vice chair and overseeing the commercial organization since May 2023, will return to his role as chief strategy officer, according to American Airlines CEO Robert Isom.
In a statement, Isom praised Pieper as a “world-class, results-oriented leader” with extensive experience in the airline industry. He noted Pieper’s successful track record at Northwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Alaska Air Group, emphasizing that his expertise is particularly relevant given his recent leadership within Oneworld.
Pieper brings over 25 years of experience in commercial and finance roles within the aviation sector. His leadership at Oneworld began in April 2024, where he focused on enhancing the alliance’s competitiveness and fostering collaboration among member airlines.
American Airlines is currently navigating a complex landscape within the aviation industry. The airline recently reported a record third-quarter revenue of $13.7 billion, despite facing a net loss of $114 million. Analysts suggest that Pieper’s commercial acumen will be crucial as American strives to improve profitability and customer satisfaction in a challenging economic environment.
As the airline embarks on this new chapter with Pieper at the helm of its commercial operations, stakeholders and passengers alike will be observing how these leadership changes translate into strategic initiatives and enhanced service offerings.
