Hawaiian Airlines announced that CEO Joe Sprague will retire later this year, after spending the past few months leading the airline through a merger with Alaska Airlines.
Sprague will be succeeded by Diana Birkett Rakow, who currently serves as Alaska's senior vice president of public affairs and sustainability.
Related: US airlines won't fly to this destination for another year
Here's what to know about the transition.
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Sprague retires after 25 years
According to Hawaiian Airlines, the Honolulu-based Rakow will take over as chief executive on Oct. 29.
Sprague, who started with Alaska over 25 years ago and formerly served as president of regional subsidiary Horizon Air, will remain on Hawaiian's board of directors.
Related: American Airlines is now the only carrier to fly to this island in the Bahamas
Rakow has worked at Alaska for eight years, where she led sustainability and corporate impact efforts, government affairs, communications, community and cultural relations, sales, and customer engagement in Hawaii and Alaska, as well as the airline's venture capital arm, Alaska Star Ventures.
"Diana has proven herself over an established career as a leader who builds strong teams, delivers results and cares deeply about people and culture," Ben Minicucci, CEO of parent company Alaska Air Group, said in a statement . "She will be a tireless advocate for the Hawaiian Airlines brand and for Hawaii, and I'm confident she will lead with authenticity and vision."
The move comes as part of Alaska's efforts to integrate Hawaiian, which it purchased in a $1.9 billion transaction last September.
Alaska said it expects to receive a single operating certificate from the FAA later this fall, which would allow Alaska and Hawaii to operate as one airline.
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This story was originally reported by TravelHost on Sep 12, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add TravelHost as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
