Summary
- Greg Anderson will become Allegiant Air’s new CEO in September, succeeding Maurice Gallagher.
- Anderson has been praised for his phenomenal leadership skills, industry knowledge, and work ethic.
- Gallagher is confident Anderson will continue to build on the success of the airline.
Ultra-low-cost carrier Allegiant Air will have a new CEO in a few months. On Thursday, the airline announced that industry veteran Greg Anderson will become its newest CEO in September.
Anderson is the carrier’s current president and has been with Allegiant for more than a decade. His experience includes tenures at former Tempe, Arizona-based US Airways and Ernst & Young, a privately owned network of member firms.
“Phenomenal leadership skills”
On September 1, 2024, Anderson will replace Maurice Gallagher, who will be retiring from the CEO role. The executive will remain at Allegiant as Executive Chairman of the Board. When Anderson assumed the role, he will also join the Board.
Photo: San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport
Gallagher spoke about his successor in a statement.
“On behalf of the board of directors, I’m thrilled to announce Greg as Allegiant’s CEO. After working closely with him for the past 15 years, I have first-hand knowledge of his phenomenal leadership skills, business acumen, industry knowledge and work ethic that make him well-prepared to take on these added responsibilities. He’s incredibly well-respected within the Company and throughout the industry. In many ways, he’s already doing the job. It’s time to make it official. Our ability to internally grow talent such as Greg and his team is a core strength of our company.”
Pushing the airline to excel
Anderson started at Allegiant in 2010 and has held several leadership positions. Before becoming president, he served as the carrier’s chief financial officer. During that time, Anderson was a crucial pillar for the airline as it grappled with the challenging impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the carrier, it was “one of the most financially challenging times” in its history.
As president, Anderson has led Allegiant to become “one of the top airlines in the industry.” He has helped the carrier excel in financial and operational performance. Additionally, Allegiant claims it has received several recognitions for its performance and customer experience under Anderson’s leadership.
Photo: GingChen | Shutterstock
Throughout the last 14 years, Anderson says he has been mentored by Galagher.
“I’m honored and humbled to serve as Allegiant’s next CEO. I’ve had the great fortune to be mentored over many years by one of the most respected innovators and CEOs in the airline industry, Maury Gallagher. He has shown me the importance of thinking like an owner and how our team members are the foundation of our success. Each day, they bring their best to the table, turning challenges into opportunities. As CEO, I look forward to extending Allegiant’s success and serving with the same level of passion and dedication they bring to become better every day.”
Building on the success
Anderson will remain as president when he takes over as CEO. Gallagher founded Allegiant and has been CEO for more than two decades. He was responsible for the adoption of the carrier’s current business model, which has differentiated itself within the industry, according to the airline.
“As Allegiant’s founder, largest individual shareholder and CEO for nearly 25 years, I have as much interest as anyone in the future of this amazing Company,” Gallagher explained. “I have complete confidence with Greg at the helm and I know he will continue to build on our success.”