The oneworld® alliance has named airline Nathaniel (Nat) Pieper as its new chief executive officer.

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, 2024.

In the announcement, oneworld — which has 13 member airlines globally — said as CEO, Pieper will lead oneworld through its 25th anniversary celebration year and focus on strengthening the alliance between its partners to provide customers with an exceptional and seamless travel experience around the world.

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," said Robert Isom, chief executive officer of American Airlines and chairman of oneworld alliance.

"With more than 25 years of working in the industry, Nat has the experience to enhance oneworld's position as the premier airline alliance, modernizing travel for millions of customers and oneworld frequent flyers," he added.

In his current position at Alaska Airlines, Pieper led the airline's entrance into oneworld, executed aircraft transactions valued over US$9 billion, and secured access to US$5 billion in liquidity to ensure Alaska's viability through the pandemic. 

Previously, Pieper held executive positions at Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines, overseeing international, strategic, alliance and financial functions.

"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," Pieper said.

"The future of the oneworld alliance is bright, and I am ready to continue to develop the alliance into its next 25 years," he added.