Alaska Air Group subsidiary Hawaiian Airlines has appointed Diana Birkett Rakow as its CEO on September 10, 2025.
Rakow is currently Alaska Airlines SVP of public affairs and sustainability. Her new role as CEO of Hawaiian will be effective October 29. She will succeed Joe Sprague who will retire after a long career at Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air, and Hawaiian.
Rakow will be based in Honolulu and will be responsible for the long-term performance and advancement of the Hawaiian Airlines brand and Alaska Air Group's business in Hawaii. She will report to Alaska Air Group CEO Ben Minicucci.
“Diana has proven herself over an established career as a leader who builds strong teams, delivers results and cares deeply about people and culture," said Minicucci. "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.”
He added he was “grateful” to Sprague for his “tremendous contributions” to Alaska Air Group over the past 25 years.
In addition, Alaska Air Group SVP, legal, general counsel and corporate secretary Kyle Levine will be promoted to EVP, corporate and public affairs, chief legal officer and corporate secretary. In this role, Levine will be responsible for public and government affairs, in addition to his current responsibilities.