Eastern Air Lines Group Inc. has appointed James Tolzien as its Interim Chief Executive Officer.
Tolzien will lead growth for the revived brand, which is currently operating as a charter carrier, while the Board of Directors conducts a global search for a permanent CEO.
The search will be led by General Ray Odierno, Chairman of the Board of Eastern Air Lines, and assisted by the global executive search firm Korn Ferry.
Tolzien has served as Chief Financial Officer of Eastern Air Lines Group since its inception in 2011.
He has over 40 years of executive experience across the travel industry, and has held the roles of Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer for several major corporations, including Alamo Rent a Car, Budget Car Rental, and the corporate travel management company TravelLeaders.
“We remain committed to our business plan of providing world class charter air service with our fleet of Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft,” said General Odierno. “Our Board is unconditionally committed to supporting Eastern’s continued growth. We have complete confidence in Jim’s leadership and we are certain we will attract a world class industry veteran to take Eastern to the next level.”
The Miami-based airline’s destinations include Cuba, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Guatemala, Guyana, Trinidad, and Puerto Rico.
— Dana Niland