Global aviation alliance Oneworld has named industry veteran Nathaniel Pieper as its new Chief Executive Officer from April 1.

The Oneworld alliance has appointed airline industry veteran Nathaniel (Nat) Pieper as its new CEO. Pieper, who is currently senior Vice President of fleet, finance and alliances at Oneworld member Alaska Airlines, will join the alliance in his new role on April 1.

According to a press statement by Oneworld, in his new role as CEO Pieper will lead the alliance through its 25th anniversary celebration year and focus on strengthening the alliance between its partners to provide customers an exceptional and seamless travel experience around the world.

The statement adds that Pieper will report to the alliance’s Governing Board, comprised of the member airline CEOs.

“We are excited to welcome Nat Pieper into the role of CEO at Oneworld and look forward to the alliance continuing its journey of innovation and collaboration under his leadership. With more than 25 years of working in the industry, Nat has the experience to enhance Oneworld’s position as the premier airline alliance, modernising travel for millions of customers and oneworld frequent flyers,” says Robert Isom, American Airlines Chief Executive Officer and Oneworld Chairman.

“In my airline career, I have admired from afar and now experienced first hand the influence and benefits the Oneworld alliance brings to an airline and its customers. I am thrilled to join the Oneworld family and look forward to working with all of the best-in-class carriers that are part of our alliance. The future of the Oneworld alliance is bright and I am ready to continue to develop the alliance into its next 25 years,” says Nat Pieper.

The statement adds that in his current position at Alaska Airlines, Pieper orchestrated the airline’s entrance into Oneworld, executed aircraft transactions valued over USD 9 billion, and secured access to USD 5 billion in liquidity to ensure viability of Alaska Airlines through the pandemic. Previously, Pieper held executive positions at Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines overseeing international, strategic, alliance and financial functions.