Tourexpi
Mr Panagiotoulias has more than 25 years’ international experience in
the airline and aviation industry. He joins Star Alliance from Hawaiian
Airlines, where he had been Senior VP for Global Sales and Alliances since
2014. Previously, Mr Panagiotoulias was VP and GM (Asia Pacific) at travel
technology provider Sabre Corporation, as well as a 15-year veteran of American
Airlines, where he held several commercial, operational and management positions.
His full biography is appended.
“On behalf of the board of Star Alliance, I would like to congratulate
Theo for being named the next CEO of Star Alliance,” said Scott Kirby, CEO of
United Airlines and Chairman of the Star Alliance Chief Executive 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.”
“Star Alliance connects the world,” said Mr Panagiotoulias. “More than
200 million customers fly with its 26 member airlines each year, on more than
16,000 flights each day. The Alliance has also led the revolution to promote a
more seamless passenger experience. I am honoured that I’ve been chosen to lead
the Star Alliance team and work directly with our 26 member carriers, as we
continue to innovate as the world’s leading airline alliance.”
Mr Panagiotoulias will succeed Charlotta Wieland, who has been seconded
from SAS – Scandinavian Airlines to serve as Star Alliance’s interim CEO since
January 2023. With Mr Panagiotoulias coming on board, Ms Wieland will return to
SAS, and also rejoin Star Alliance’s Alliance Management Board as the
representative for SAS. Mr Panagiotoulias’ appointment is expected to take
effect within the coming months, upon the completion of certain administrative
processes and clearances.
“On behalf of Star Alliance and its member carriers, I would like to
thank Charlotta for her service to Star Alliance as interim CEO, and welcome
her back to her seat on the Alliance Management Board,” said Mr Kirby.
Star Alliance was named the World’s Best Airline Alliance by Skytrax in 2022.
It aims to facilitate a seamless, high-quality traveller experience across its
26 member carriers, with smooth transfers across an extensive global network,
together with rewards and recognition for frequent international travellers.
In 2022, the Alliance celebrated its 25th anniversary as
the longest-running international airline alliance. It also marked several
important milestones, including the launch of the world’s first airline alliance credit card with
HSBC Australia, and the formation of an intermodal travel model, which extends
the Alliance’s network beyond air travel to other transport ecosystems, such as
rail networks.
Image Credit: ©
Lufthansa Group
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