Robert Isom

Robert Isom
Isom in 2022
Born	1967 (age 57-58)
Education	University of Notre Dame (BS, BA) University of Michigan (MBA)
Title	CEO of American Airlines Group and American Airlines
Term	March, 2022–present
Predecessor	Doug Parker

Robert Isom (born 1967) ^[1] is an American businessman and CEO of the American Airlines Group and its subsidiary American Airlines. ^[2] He was president of the airline from 2016 to 2022 and became the CEO of the airline in March 2022. ^[3]

Early life and education

Isom was raised outside of Detroit, Michigan. ^[4] He attended the University of Notre Dame for his undergraduate studies where obtained a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering and a Bachelor of Arts in English. He began working at Procter & Gamble before returning to Michigan to earn a Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan. ^[5]

Career

After earning his MBA, Isom began his career in the airline industry at Northwest Airlines. He later worked at America West Airlines, before becoming the chief restructuring officer of GMAC, LLC. Isom then returned to America West, which had in 2005 merged with and was now named US Airways, to become Executive Vice President and COO. ^[6]

Following the merger of US Airways and American Airlines in 2013, Isom retained his previous position in the newly combined airline. In 2016, Isom became president of American Airlines. On December 7, 2021, it was announced by the airline that Isom would be succeeding Doug Parker as CEO, and on March 31, 2022, following Parker's resignation, Isom became CEO and joined the board of directors. ^[7]

Prior to officially becoming CEO, on March 17, 2022, it was announced by United States Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas that Isom had been named to the Homeland Security Advisory Council. ^[8]

On January 29, 2025, Isom released a video statement following the Potomac River mid-air collision involving American Eagle Flight 5342. He also announced that he would be traveling to Washington, D.C. with an American Airlines team and joined a press conference at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport the following day. ^[9]

Personal life

Isom has donated to both Democratic and Republican political campaigns as well as to the American Airlines PAC. ^[10]

References

1. "Robert Isom Net Worth". wallmine.com. September 21, 2023. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
2. "Robert Isom". American Airlines. Retrieved July 8, 2023.
3. American Airlines. "Robert Isom, Chief Executive Officer" . Retrieved January 29, 2025.
4. Arnold, Kyle (December 8, 2021). "Who is Robert Isom, American Airlines' next CEO?". The Dallas Morning News. The Dallas Morning News. Retrieved July 8, 2023.
5. Hemmerdinger, Jon (December 7, 2021). "American president Isom to succeed Parker as CEO in March 2022". FlightGlobal. DVV Media International. Retrieved July 8, 2023.
6. Henry, John (December 7, 2021). "Robert Isom to Succeed Doug Parker as American Airlines' Top Executive". Fort Worth Inc. Fort Worth Inc. Retrieved July 8, 2023.
7. "AMERICAN AIRLINES ANNOUNCES LEADERSHIP SUCCESSION PLAN" (Press release). Fort Worth, Texas: American Airlines Group. December 7, 2021. Retrieved July 8, 2023.
8. "Mayorkas Announces 33 New Homeland Security Advisory Council Members, Names Jamie Gorelick Co-Chair". Homeland Security Today. Government Technology & Services Coalition. March 17, 2022. Retrieved July 8, 2023.
9. Irwin, Irwin (30 January 2025). "American Airlines CEO expresses 'deep sorrow' over crash near DC". The Hill . Retrieved 30 January 2025.
10. "Robert Isom Political Campaign Contributions 2016 Election Cycle". CampaignMoney.com. Retrieved July 8, 2023.

Business positions
Preceded by Doug Parker	Chief Executive Officer of American Airlines 2022–present	Incumbent