Star Alliance CEO Theo Panagiotoulias.
ISTANBUL—Star Alliance has named Theo Panagiotoulias as its next chief executive officer.
Panagiotoulias joins the alliance from Hawaiian Airlines, where he served as SVP of global sales and alliances. Before joining Hawaiian he was VP and general manager, Asia Pacific, for Sabre. He has also held several positions at American Airlines.
Panagiotoulias succeeds Charlotta Wielannd, who has served as the interim CEO since January after the departure of former CEO Jeffery Goh, who is now CEO of Gulf Air Holding Co. Wileand will return to SAS, where she is VP alliances and industry affairs. She will also rejoin the alliance’s management board.
“Theo’s international commercial and airline experience have given him a good understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our industry today. I believe he is the right person to lead Star Alliance into the future,” said Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines and chairman of the Star Alliance chief executive board.
