HONOLULU (KHON2) — Hawaiian Airlines is going to have a new CEO, Alaska Air Group announced on Sept. 10.
Diana Birkett Rakow, current senior vice president of public affairs and sustainability at Alaska Airlines, will succeed current Hawaiian Airlines CEO Joe Sprague, who is retiring.
Birkett Rakow will work out of Honolulu, which is the second largest hub for the Alaska Air Group after Seattle.
Her ascension to the role marks the first time in the airline’s history that a woman will hold the title of CEO. Her duties will include advancement of the Hawaiian Airlines brand, employee satisfaction and overseeing the Honolulu leadership team, the company said.
“I want to thank Joe Sprague for his steady leadership in guiding Hawaiian Airlines through a period of significant change,” said Alaska Air Group CEO Ben Minicucci. “As Diana steps into this role, she brings a proven record of building strong teams, delivering results and caring deeply about people and culture. I know she will be a tireless advocate for the Hawaiian Airlines brand and people, and I’m confident she will lead with authenticity, purpose and vision.”
Birkett Rakow looks forward to advancing Hawaiian Airlines during her tenure as CEO.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to help lead Hawaiian at such a momentous time in its long and rich history, and thankful for Joe’s thoughtful leadership bringing our people and operations closer together over the past year,” she said.
For the past eight years, Birkett Rakow has worked with the local community on behalf of Alaska Airlines to help support employees and patrons.
Additionally, she has experience leading Alaska’s sustainability and corporate impact efforts, government affairs, communications, community and cultural relations and more.
Birkett Rakow officially steps into the role of CEO on Oct. 29.