Steve Johnson, chief strategy officer and vice chairman at American Airlines, will retire at the end of the year, the carrier announced this week.
The airline notified the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission of Johnson’s planned retirement in a filing on Sunday. The document does not say who will succeed Johnson in either of his roles.
In an internal memo, American leaders credited Johnson with rebuilding the carrier’s sales strategy, strengthening its network, and reaching a “groundbreaking” partnership agreement with Citi, the issuer of American’s co-branded AAdvantage credit cards.
“To say he has played an important role at our airline is an understatement,” CEO Robert Isom said in the message. “On a personal note, Steve has been a trusted counselor, and he will be missed by many throughout the airline, including me. We are excited to have Steve for another few months, and we will have more to say about his career and celebrate his contributions as we get closer to his retirement.”
According to American, Johnson joined America West Airlines in 1995. He later went to work for private equity firm Indigo Partners, then joined US Airways in 2009. American acquired US Airways in 2013.
Johnson led American’s corporate affairs organization before being named to his current position. Later, while serving as vice chairman, he stepped in to lead the carrier’s commercial organization “during a critical period to stabilize and reinvigorate the airline’s commercial approach,” American said.
