Theo Panagiotoulias
Star Alliance has appointed Hawaiian Airlines’ senior VP for global sales and alliances Theo Panagiotoulias as its next CEO.
Panagiotoulias will take over from the alliance’s interim CEO Charlotta Wieland in the “coming months”. Wieland, who has been leading the organisation since January 2023, will return to her role at SAS once Panagiotoulias takes over.
Before joining Hawaiian Airlines, Panagiotoulias worked for technology firm Sabre Corporation and he also spent 15 years at American Airlines in a variety of roles.
Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines and chairman of Star Alliance’s chief executive board, said: “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 currently has a membership of 26 airlines and Panagiotoulias will become its new CEO “upon the completion of certain administrative processes and clearances”.