Glen Hauenstein is a veteran airline executive who served as President of Delta Air Lines for nearly a decade, playing a pivotal role in its transformation from a primarily domestic carrier to a global leader.[1][2][3] A graduate of Stetson University in DeLand, Florida, he joined Delta in 2005, bringing prior experience as Vice General Director at Alitalia and Senior Vice President at Continental Airlines.[1][2] Under Hauenstein's leadership, Delta expanded its network to six continents, forging joint ventures with carriers like Virgin Atlantic, Air France-KLM, LATAM, Aeromexico, and Korean Air, which bolstered Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson as the world's busiest airport hub.[1][3] He spearheaded the airline's shift toward premium products and services, driving revenue growth, consistent profitability, and positioning Delta as the top choice for high-end travelers.[2][3] These efforts helped Delta achieve industry-leading financial performance and establish a robust international footprint.[1][2] Hauenstein's tenure marked a key era in Delta's modern history, with CEO Ed Bastian crediting him for building the global network and premium strategy that evolved the airline over two decades.[1][2] On December 17, 2025, Delta announced his retirement effective February 28, 2026, after a 20-year career; he will serve as a strategic advisor through the end of 2026.[1][2][3][4] No new president was named, but Joe Esposito, a 35-year Delta veteran, will assume the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, overseeing network planning, revenue management, sales, and loyalty.[1][3] Hauenstein expressed gratitude for his time at Delta and confidence in its future, underscoring his contributions to its centennial milestone as the world's premier airline.[1][3] His departure signals a leadership transition amid Delta's ongoing emphasis on Atlanta-based operations and economic impact in the region.[3]