‍SEATTLE — Alaska Air Group has announced that Diana Birkett Rakow, currently senior vice president of public affairs and sustainability at Alaska Airlines (AS), will become CEO of Hawaiian Airlines (HA) effective October 29. 

Birkett Rakow succeeds Joe Sprague, who will retire after more than 25 years with AS, Horizon Air, and HA. Birkett Rakow joined AS in 2016 and has spearheaded sustainability, government affairs, communications, and community relations, while also serving on the board of HA. She previously held executive roles at Group Health and Kaiser Permanente and worked as a health policy advisor in the U.S. Senate.

The Work Ahead

The new CEO will be based in Honolulu, HA’s second-largest hub after Seattle, and oversee the airline’s brand, performance, and more than 6,600 employees across the Islands. She will continue reporting to Alaska Air Group CEO Ben Minicucci and remain on the company’s Executive Committee, while also leading group-wide sustainability and venture investment strategies.

“Diana has proven herself as a leader who builds strong teams, delivers results, and cares deeply about people and culture,” Minicucci said. “She will be a tireless advocate for the Hawaiian Airlines brand and for Hawai‘i.”

Sprague, who became HA’s CEO following the airline’s official merger with AS in September 2024, will remain in place throughout the transition. He has led the carrier as it prepares for a single operating certificate (SOC) from the FAA later this fall, a key milestone in integrating the two airlines.

Further Leadership Shuffle

Alaska Air Group has also promoted Kyle Levine, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, to Executive Vice President, Corporate and Public Affairs, and Chief Legal Officer. 

Levine will expand his responsibilities to include public and government affairs, corporate philanthropy, and community marketing in AS, while continuing to oversee legal and compliance.

The leadership changes come as AS and HA advance toward full integration, including a unified loyalty program, Atmos Rewards, and expanded route networks.