Northwest Airlines last week named president Douglas Steenland as its new CEO, effective immediately, following the surprise resignation of Richard Anderson, the company's leader since early 2001. Anderson left Northwest to become executive vice president of UnitedHealth Group, effective Nov. 1.
"The board of directors is very pleased that Doug, who has been our president since 2001 and a key member of the Northwest senior management team since 1991, will continue to lead the company," said Northwest chairman Gary Wilson.
Steenland joined Northwest in 1991 as vice president and deputy general counsel. His more recent responsibilities have included alliance development, government and legal affairs, human resources and labor relations.
"Despite the increasingly challenging environment, we have accomplished much together: excellent operating performance, a significant revenue premium, industry-leading liquidity and a global network, recently enhanced by our membership in SkyTeam," Steenland said.
CEO of the world's fourth largest airline since February 2001
(BTN, Feb. 21, 2001), Anderson will remain on the company's board. Northwest hailed his contributions to the airline, including his expertise in operations and efforts toward airport development, fleet renewal and use of technology. He also cultivated close ties with Northwest's alliance partners, including new domestic and international allies within the SkyTeam group.
On the job for less than one year when the United States was attacked in 2001, Anderson was named to the airport security task force formed by U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta. He also has been an advocate of the registered traveler program and lobbied for the airline industry during a stint as chairman of the Air Transportation Association executive committee.