Star Alliance has announced the appointment of Theo Panagiotoulias as its next CEO. He succeeds Charlotta Wieland, who has served as the international airline alliance’s interim CEO since January 2023.
Theo Panagiotoulias boasts over 25 years’ experience of commercial and operational expertise in the airline and travel industry. He began his career in the sector in 1997 as General Manager – Southern Australia for American Airlines.
Over the next 15 years at the company, he progressed through the ranks and held senior positions in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Japan. In his last position at American Airlines, he was VP & Managing Director of the Asia-Pacific region for nearly six years.
In 2012, Panagiotoulias joined Sabre Corporation as Vice-President & General Manager of Asia/Pacific. He was responsible for all commercial and operational activities for the company’s airline community.
Prior to his new position, Theo Panagiotoulias was Senior Vice-President of Global Sales & Alliances at Hawaiian Airlines. He arrived in the role in 2014, and over the course of nine years, led the company’s worldwide sales, alliance partnerships, government affairs, and commercial functions in international markets.
His appointment at Star Alliance is expected to take effect within the coming months, upon the completion of certain administrative processes and clearances.
Following the arrival of Panagiotoulias, interim CEO Charlotta Wieland will return to SAS – Scandinavian Airlines and re-join Star Alliance’s Alliance Management Board as the representative for SAS.
On behalf of the board of Star Alliance, I would like to congratulate Theo for being named the next CEO of Star Alliance. Theo’s international commercial and airline experience have given him a good understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our industry today. I believe he is the right person to lead Star Alliance into the future. […] On behalf of Star Alliance and its member carriers, I would like to thank Charlotta for her service to Star Alliance as interim CEO and welcome her back to her seat on the Alliance Management Board.
Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines & Chairman of the Star Alliance Chief Executive Board
Star Alliance connects the world. More than 200 million customers fly with its 26 member airlines each year, on more than 16,000 flights each day. The Alliance has also led the revolution to promote a more seamless passenger experience. I am honoured that I’ve been chosen to lead the Star Alliance team and work directly with our 26 member carriers, as we continue to innovate as the world’s leading airline alliance.
Theo Panagiotoulias, incoming CEO of Star Alliance
