Alaska Air Group has named Diana Birkett Rakow as the next chief executive of Hawaiian Airlines, with her appointment effective from 29 October. She replaces Joe Sprague, who is set to retire after more than 25 years across Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air and Hawaiian Airlines.
Birkett Rakow, currently senior vice president of public affairs and sustainability at Alaska Airlines, will be based in Honolulu. She will oversee the airline’s operations and strategy in Hawai‘i, which is Alaska Air Group’s second-largest hub, while continuing to report to group CEO Ben Minicucci. Her role will also cover company-wide sustainability and venture investment strategies.
“Hawai‘i and the Hawaiian Airlines brand are critical to Alaska Air Group’s future,” Minicucci said. “Diana has proven herself over an established career as a leader who builds strong teams, delivers results and cares deeply about people and culture. She will be a tireless advocate for the Hawaiian Airlines brand and for Hawai‘i, and I’m confident she will lead with authenticity and vision.”
Minicucci also paid tribute to Sprague, saying: “Joe has served Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air, and most recently Hawaiian Airlines, by prioritising culture and creating deep connections with employees and communities, while driving results. All those who know Joe, know that he is all-in for the people and purpose of Air Group – and I especially appreciate how he has brought that spirit to his time in Hawai‘i.”
Birkett Rakow has spent eight years at Alaska Airlines in a range of leadership roles, including government affairs, communications, sales, customer engagement and sustainability. She has also served on the Hawaiian Airlines board for the past year. Before joining Alaska, she held executive positions at Group Health and Kaiser Permanente, and earlier worked as a health policy adviser to the US Senate Finance Committee.
Sprague became CEO of Hawaiian Airlines when Alaska finalised its combination with the carrier in September 2024. He has been leading operations through the transition towards a single operating certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration, which is expected later this year. He will stay on to support employees and customers during the changeover.
“It has been an honour to serve Hawaiian Airlines and its incredible team,” Sprague said. “We accomplished a lot together over the past year and, with a single operating certificate imminent, we are at a natural transition point. Diana is the right person to guide Hawaiian Airlines into a new chapter.”
In a related move, Alaska Air Group confirmed that Kyle Levine, senior vice president, legal, general counsel and corporate secretary, will step into an expanded role as executive vice president, corporate and public affairs, chief legal officer and corporate secretary. Levine has been with the company since 2006 and has overseen legal functions during both the Virgin America and Hawaiian acquisitions.
