Ahem. You weren’t the only one that had Ranjan on their “Potential CEO” list back in the day. Still do. Unfortunately after mentioning him positively more than a few times in PlaneBusiness when he was a rising star in corporate sales, he suddenly dropped off all social media, and my email list, concurrent with his moves deeper into the airline. As you have alluded to, Delta’s Kremlin-esque view of the outside world dictates that one must not associate with anyone who might criticize the Motherland. SMH. That is a shame, as I have missed his keen insight and conversations ever since. I agree with you, he was always great to talk to. As for Ed’s replacement? I don’t think he’s going anywhere anytime soon. I think the bigger question is who will replace Hauenstein? I don’t mean in title. I mean in the incredible marketing, advertising, and branding knowledge that he brought to the discussion. He created what we know now as the Delta brand. No one in this group of new execs brings that kind of airline product, marketing, sales, or branding experience to the table. Although Ranjan, oddly enough, brings more of it than anyone else in this group.
You and Daniel make great points. I think you're right -- this re-org probably does give Ed more time as CEO. But I think one of the knocks in the past was that there was no obvious successor. People loved Glen (he was a savant) but I am not sure he was ever going to be CEO. So the question was always, what happens if Ed gets hit by a bus? I think now it is more clear how Delta's bench works, and who might step in.
That said, another reader wanted me to to put George Mattson on this list, which I think is a good idea. He's inside the Delta orbit and seems to be doing well at Wheels Up.
None of of that is as important as what I'm about to ask: Holly, how about writing a guest post on The Airline Observer? We pay VERY WELL. Well, at least we would pay you very well. There is no one better at this.
Readers, what do you think ... should Holly write here on occasion?
I agree with Holly. I don't think Delta goes through this level of a re-org for Bastian to leave anytime soon. I'd guess he'll be there another few years (unless Delta's fortunes change).
Ahem. You weren’t the only one that had Ranjan on their “Potential CEO” list back in the day. Still do. Unfortunately after mentioning him positively more than a few times in PlaneBusiness when he was a rising star in corporate sales, he suddenly dropped off all social media, and my email list, concurrent with his moves deeper into the airline. As you have alluded to, Delta’s Kremlin-esque view of the outside world dictates that one must not associate with anyone who might criticize the Motherland. SMH. That is a shame, as I have missed his keen insight and conversations ever since. I agree with you, he was always great to talk to. As for Ed’s replacement? I don’t think he’s going anywhere anytime soon. I think the bigger question is who will replace Hauenstein? I don’t mean in title. I mean in the incredible marketing, advertising, and branding knowledge that he brought to the discussion. He created what we know now as the Delta brand. No one in this group of new execs brings that kind of airline product, marketing, sales, or branding experience to the table. Although Ranjan, oddly enough, brings more of it than anyone else in this group.
Holly,
You and Daniel make great points. I think you're right -- this re-org probably does give Ed more time as CEO. But I think one of the knocks in the past was that there was no obvious successor. People loved Glen (he was a savant) but I am not sure he was ever going to be CEO. So the question was always, what happens if Ed gets hit by a bus? I think now it is more clear how Delta's bench works, and who might step in.
That said, another reader wanted me to to put George Mattson on this list, which I think is a good idea. He's inside the Delta orbit and seems to be doing well at Wheels Up.
None of of that is as important as what I'm about to ask: Holly, how about writing a guest post on The Airline Observer? We pay VERY WELL. Well, at least we would pay you very well. There is no one better at this.
Readers, what do you think ... should Holly write here on occasion?
I agree with Holly. I don't think Delta goes through this level of a re-org for Bastian to leave anytime soon. I'd guess he'll be there another few years (unless Delta's fortunes change).