Alaska Air Group Announces Leadership Appointments in Operations, Planning and Strategic Management

Alaska Air Group, the parent company of Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air, today announced the appointment of four managing directors to support the airlines’ operations and their focus on executing long-term plans.

Wayne Newton has been promoted to managing director of station operations for Alaska Airlines. A 20-year veteran with the company, he assumes responsibility for overseeing operations, policies and procedures at Alaska Airlines’ 59 airport locations in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Previously director of station operations – California, Newton has also served as Seattle operations director, ramp manager and in other positions related to the airline’s ground operations.

Todd Sproul becomes Alaska Airlines’ managing director of operations support. As a leader in the Customer Service – Airports Division, Sproul and his team will focus on the airline’s safety and compliance efforts, performance oversight and vendor contracts, ground service equipment, financial reporting, and staff and schedule planning.

Sproul joined Alaska Airlines in 1988 as a ramp service agent and has held a variety of positions in customer service and ground operations, most recently overseeing airport affairs in the Corporate Real Estate Division.

"These seasoned veterans know our business from the ground up," said Jeff Butler, Alaska Airlines’ vice president of customer service – airports. "Their vast experience in different areas of the company will serve our customers and employees well."

Peggy Willingham has been promoted to managing director of strategy management for Alaska Air Group. She will work with the company’s Executive Committee and other officers to oversee execution of corporate strategy and key initiatives. Willingham, who joined Alaska Airlines in 1990 as a risk management specialist, formerly served as director of ground safety and environmental affairs, director of the company’s Project Management Office and director of strategic planning.

Andrew Harrison has been named managing director of planning for Alaska Air Group. Harrison, who joined Alaska Airlines in 2003, will be responsible for the company’s network and schedule planning and alliance activities with business partners, while retaining his oversight of financial planning and analysis.

"Dramatic changes in our industry during the past few years have made it more imperative than ever for Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air to be nimble," said Brad Tilden, executive vice president of finance and planning and chief financial officer for Alaska Air Group. "Peggy and Andrew have played key roles in helping us execute on our strategic plan and will make sure we keep up our momentum."

Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air together serve 92 cities through an expansive network in Alaska, the Lower 48, Hawaii, Canada and Mexico. For reservations, visit alaskaair.com. For more news and information, visit the Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air Newsroom at alaskaair.com/newsroom.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact: maria.koenig@alaskaair.com

SOURCE: Alaska Air Group