Craig Kreeger New CEO At VA

Craig Kreeger has been named as the new CEO at Virgin Atlantic Airline. Kreeger moves to the UK carrier from American Airlines, where he held the role of Senior Vice President - Customer Service. The appointment is effective February 1.

Kreeger (pictured) succeeds Steve Ridgeway, who according to The Wall Street Journal is retiring after 23 years with the airline ... the last 11 as CEO.

Sir Richard Branson said Kreeger is "the right person to succeed Steve Ridgeway. We believe Craig has the experience and passion to drive Virgin Atlantic forward and capitalize on the opportunities created by our new venture with Delta Airlines," according to media reports.

In a news release, American Airlines executives wished Mr. Kreeger the best in his new position. "Craig has always been a driving force at American – bringing innovation and transformation to so many parts of our airline for more than 25 years," said Tom Horton, American's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Most recently, Craig aligned and consolidated a global team focused on improving the customer experience throughout all areas of travel. On behalf of the people of American, I thank Craig for his vision and dedication, and wish him the best as he returns to London to become Chief Executive at Virgin Atlantic."

Jon Snook replaces Kreeger as American's Senior Vice President – Customer Service. Snook is a native of Manchester, England where he began his career at American as an airport agent, progressing quickly into a variety of leadership roles in international and domestic airport operations, Reservations, Sales, and International Planning. He also served as Senior Vice President – Customer Service for American Eagle between 2004 and 2010. For the past three years, Snook has served as American's Vice President – Operations Planning and Performance.

FMI: www.virginatlantic.com, www.aa.com