Glen Hauenstein, president of Delta Airlines, will retire on Feb. 28, as announced by CEO Ed Bastian in a memo to the carrier’s employees. With Hauenstein’s retirement, Joe Esposito will become Delta’s new executive vice president – chief commercial officer, overseeing network planning, revenue management, sales and loyalty, Bastian said.

In the memo, Bastian said Hauenstein’s “vision and strategic mindset have been essential in transforming Delta into the leading global airline we are today.” Hauenstein and his teams, he said, have been central to building Delta’s global network, driving revenue premium and establishing Delta as the top choice for travelers seeking premium experiences.

Hauenstein will continue to serve as a strategic advisor through the end of next year, Bastian said.

Since joining Delta in 2005, according to the memo, Hauenstein led the team that transformed Delta’s network from a primarily domestic operation to a global footprint that connects the world. Thanks to his leadership, said the memo, Delta today flies to six continents, with extended reach through an array of joint venture partnerships with international carriers including Virgin Atlantic, Air France-KLM, Latam, Aeromexico, Korean Air and others.

Hauenstein brought significant airline experience to his role, according to Delta. Prior to joining the airline, his roles included vice general director for Alitalia and senior vice president for Continental Airlines. Hauenstein said: “I want to thank my team members, colleagues and the entire Delta family for their support and dedication to our shared goal of building the world’s greatest airline. I’m excited to see us embark into our next century under Joe’s leadership.”

Esposito has spent much of his 35-year Delta career alongside Hauenstein. He began his tenure at Delta in 1990 in airport customer service in Orlando. In 1995, he moved to Atlanta to work in strategic planning and later joined network planning as an analyst. While in network planning, he held various positions with increasing levels of responsibility, including director – international and managing director – network and schedule planning. He led the department as senior vice president – network planning, and currently serves as Delta’s senior vice president – network planning, pricing and revenue management.

Esposito said, “It’s been a tremendous privilege to work alongside [Hauenstein] for the past 20 years, and I’m humbled and inspired to lead the outstanding teams he developed as we envision the Delta of the next 100 years.”