Former FedEx executive vice president and CFO, John W. Dietrich, has been announced as the newest member of American Airlines’ board of directors. After stepping down from his roles at FedEx in June, Dietrich will officially depart the company on July 31. He will bring his extensive experience to American’s Audit Committee and Finance Committee.

American Chairman Greg Smith praised Dietrich’s impressive professional background and 35 years of aerospace leadership. Smith stated, “John’s reputation and success in managing complex, capital-intensive operations, as well as his insights into financial discipline, risk management, and governance, will greatly enhance the board’s capabilities as we prioritize long-term performance and shareholder value.

Before joining FedEx in 2023, Dietrich spent over 20 years at cargo airline Atlas Air. During his time at Atlas, he held various senior leadership positions, including CEO, president, board member, chief of operations, and general counsel earlier in his career. He also worked for over a decade at United, primarily as an attorney.

Currently, Dietrich serves as chairman of the National Defense Transportation Association and sits on the boards of AAR Corporation and First Horizon Corporation. He is also a former member and chairman of the National Air Carrier Association and a previous member of the International Air Transport Association’s board of governors.

American Airlines is confident that Dietrich’s extensive experience and proven track record will be valuable assets to the company’s board of directors. With his expertise in managing complex operations and strong financial acumen, Dietrich will play a crucial role in driving long-term performance and creating value for shareholders.