Doug Parker
Retired Chairman and CEO, American Airlines & Founder and CEO, Breaking Down Barriers
Doug Parker retired as CEO of American Airlines in March 2022 and as chairman of American’s board in April 2023 after more than 35 years in the airline industry, including 20 years as CEO.
Doug was named CEO of American following the merger of American and US Airways in 2013. The integration of American and US Airways was a success and the airline made unprecedented investments in its team members and product while returning money to shareholders. Doug’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic helped stabilize the industry during an unprecedented decline in demand for air travel.
Previously, Doug was chairman and CEO of US Airways and America West Airlines. Under his leadership, US Airways achieved record revenue growth, operational performance and profit margins that outpaced most industry peers. Doug served as chairman, president and CEO of America West Airlines prior to the merger of US Airways and America West in 2005. He became CEO of America West 10 days before Sept. 11, 2001, and led the carrier through the crisis.
Post-retirement, Doug and his wife Gwen founded Breaking Down Barriers, a non-profit dedicated to helping high-potential underrepresented young men and women become airline pilots. Doug serves on the boards of Qantas Airways, Vanderbilt University, and the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation.