American Airlines Elects Mary Dillon to Board of Directors

On March 24, 2026, American Airlines Group Inc. (NASDAQ: AAL) announced a significant leadership expansion with the election of Mary Dillon to its board of directors. Dillon, who brings over 40 years of extensive experience in consumer, marketing, and operational management, will also serve on the board’s Compensation Committee and Corporate Governance and Public Responsibility Committee.

Mary Dillon, 64, is recognized for her leadership roles in several major global brands. From 2022 to 2025, she served as President and CEO of Foot Locker, Inc. Prior to that, she led Ulta Beauty, Inc. from 2013 to 2021 and was President and CEO of U.S. Cellular from 2010 to 2013. Dillon’s extensive background in consumer-facing industries is expected to bring valuable insights to American Airlines, particularly in driving transformation and strategic vision within the company.

American Airlines Chairman Greg Smith expressed his enthusiasm about Dillon's appointment, stating, “We are very pleased to name Mary to the American Airlines board. She is a highly respected leader who brings significant, relevant and proven senior leadership experience across a number of major consumer-facing industries.”

Before her tenure at Foot Locker, Dillon held the position of Chief Marketing Officer at McDonald’s Corporation from 2005 to 2010, and she has also held senior executive roles at PepsiCo, Inc., including president of the Quaker Oats division. This diverse experience equips her with a unique perspective on operational efficiency and customer engagement, which are critical for American Airlines as it continues to enhance its services.

American Airlines CEO Robert Isom further highlighted Dillon's qualifications, noting, “Mary is a tremendous leader with deep experience guiding globally recognized brands. Her operational, commercial and marketing expertise – along with her success leading complex organizations – will be important assets to American and our board.”

In addition to her corporate experience, Dillon is highly engaged in philanthropy and community service. She currently chairs the board of trustees of Save the Children, reflecting her commitment to societal betterment. Dillon holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Illinois at Chicago, which complements her professional achievements.

American Airlines is the world's largest airline, celebrating its centennial year in 2026. With a proud history dating back to 1926, the airline operates over 6,000 daily flights to more than 350 destinations across 60 countries, serving approximately 200 million customers annually. The airline is committed to innovation, having introduced several industry firsts, including the first scheduled air cargo service and the first airline loyalty program. American Airlines is also a founding member of the oneworld alliance, which connects travelers to over 900 destinations worldwide.

Mary Dillon's election to the board marks a strategic move for American Airlines as it navigates the complexities of the aviation industry while continuing to enhance the customer experience in its centennial year.