American Airlines announces succession plan after Derek Kerr’s retirement

American Airlines announced that vice chairman and American Eagle President and Strategic Advisor, Derek Kerr, would retire from the company on September 30.

Kerr previously stepped down as chief financial officer at the end of 2022 after 20 years in the role, which was part of the long-planned succession process for the airline.

“Derek Kerr is one of the finest and most accomplished executives in the history of the airline business,” American CEO Robert Isom said. “I’m proud to call him a friend, and American is very well-positioned for the future because of his leadership. We wish him well as he begins his retirement.”

American said Devon May was named Kerr’s successor as CFO and assumed the role on January 1, while Heather Garboden was named Senior Vice President of Regionals and Cargo in March and will continue to lead American’s Regional and Cargo work going forward.

Kerr currently leads American’s Regional and Cargo teams and serves as a strategic advisor to the company. In addition, the industry veteran has been responsible for nearly half of the carrier’s daily departures with oversight of the airline’s regional operations.

“I’m incredibly proud of everything we accomplished during my time at American, US Airways and America West,” Kerr said. “It has been a tremendous honor to work alongside so many wonderful people the past three decades, and I consider myself incredibly lucky for the countless memories and friends I have made along the way.”

“I’m confident Robert, Devon and the rest of the American Airlines team will continue to chart a profitable path for American and build an airline that will thrive forever,” Kerr continued.

In March, American announced that AAdvantage loyalty members can now receive benefits, earn rewards more often and have more options to customize their travel experiences through Loyalty Point Rewards.