Diana Birkett Rakow named next Hawaiian Airlines CEO
3 minute readPublished: Thursday, September 11, 2025 at 10:05 am
Hawaiian Airlines to Get New CEO Following Alaska Acquisition
Honolulu, HI - Hawaiian Airlines is set to welcome a new CEO next month, marking a significant transition following Alaska Airlines' acquisition of Hawaiian Holdings. Diana Birkett Rakow, currently the senior vice president of public affairs and sustainability at Alaska Airlines, will take the helm on October 29th, becoming the first woman to lead the airline.
Rakow will succeed Joe Sprague, who has been CEO since September 2024. Sprague is retiring but will remain on Hawaiian Airlines' board. The transition comes as the two airlines move closer to operating as a single entity, with the Federal Aviation Administration expected to issue a single operating certificate in October.
The acquisition has already shown positive financial results. Alaska Air Group's second-quarter earnings exceeded expectations, driven by lower fuel prices, improved costs and revenue, and opportunities stemming from the merger. Hawaiian Airlines' adjusted pretax margin reached profitability for the first time since 2019.
The merger has also impacted the workforce. While 522 new union jobs have been added this year, 386 non-contract jobs with Hawaiian will be eliminated in three rounds of merger-related job cuts. The combined organization now employs over 30,000 people.
Rakow will report to Ben Minicucci, CEO of Alaska Air Group, and will be based in Honolulu. Her responsibilities will include the long-term performance and advancement of the Hawaiian Airlines brand and Alaska Air Group's business in Hawaii. She will lead the Honolulu leadership team, which includes key figures in operations, guest operations, marketing, public affairs, safety, and human resources.
In a related move, Kyle Levine has been promoted to executive vice president, corporate and public affairs, chief legal officer, and corporate secretary at Alaska Air Group.
BNN's Perspective: The transition at Hawaiian Airlines represents a pivotal moment. While the merger has presented some challenges, the early financial successes and the appointment of a new CEO with experience in sustainability and public affairs suggest a focus on both profitability and community engagement. The success of this integration will be critical for the future of air travel in Hawaii.
Keywords: Hawaiian Airlines, CEO, Diana Birkett Rakow, Alaska Airlines, Acquisition, Merger, Joe Sprague, Single Operating Certificate, Financial Results, Workforce, Honolulu, Hawaii, Airline Industry, Leadership Change, Aviation.