Overview
- Hauenstein will remain with Delta as a strategic advisor through the end of 2026 after stepping down as president.
- Joe Esposito, a 35-year company veteran who began in airport customer service and later led network planning, is promoted to executive vice president and chief commercial officer.
- Esposito’s remit includes network planning, revenue management, sales and loyalty, covering functions that shape flights, fares and customer programs.
- Delta updated reporting lines: Steve Sear, Dwight James, Paul Baldoni, Roberto Ioriatti and Ashley Droske Westphal will report to Esposito, while Eric Phillips now reports to CIO Rahul Samant and Holden Shannon to Chief External Affairs Officer Peter Carter.
- The transition caps two decades of Hauenstein-led expansion in global partnerships and premium revenue, with Delta saying in October that premium-travel sales are projected to surpass main-cabin revenue in 2026 and reinforcing Atlanta’s status as a global hub.