American Airlines elects Mary Dillon to its board of directors

Rhea-AI Summary

American Airlines (NASDAQ: AAL) elected Mary Dillon to its board of directors effective March 24, 2026. Dillon will serve on the board’s Compensation Committee and Corporate Governance and Public Responsibility Committee.

She brings more than four decades of consumer, marketing and operational experience, including CEO roles at Foot Locker (2022–2025), Ulta Beauty (2013–2021) and U.S. Cellular (2010–2013), plus prior senior roles at McDonald’s and PepsiCo. Dillon also holds current board experience at KKR and chairs Save the Children board of trustees.

FORT WORTH, Texas, March 24, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- American Airlines Group Inc. (NASDAQ: AAL) today announced that Mary Dillon has been elected to the company’s board of directors. Dillon will serve on the board’s Compensation Committee and Corporate Governance and Public Responsibility Committee.

Dillon, 64, brings more than four decades of consumer, marketing and operational experience across major global brands. She served as President and CEO of Foot Locker, Inc. from 2022 to 2025, CEO of Ulta Beauty, Inc. from 2013 to 2021, and President and CEO of U.S. Cellular from 2010 to 2013.

“We are very pleased to name Mary to the American Airlines board,” said American’s Chairman Greg Smith. “She is a highly respected leader who brings significant, relevant and proven senior leadership experience across a number of major consumer‑facing industries. Her strategic vision and record of driving transformation will be valuable additions to our company and our boardroom.”

Prior to leading Foot Locker, Ulta Beauty and U.S. Cellular, Dillon served as Chief Marketing Officer at McDonald’s Corporation from 2005 to 2010 and held senior executive roles at PepsiCo, Inc., including president of the company’s Quaker Oats division. Dillon also has extensive board experience. She has been a board member of KKR & Co. Inc. since 2018, and she previously served on the boards of Foot Locker, Starbucks, Ulta Beauty, U.S. Cellular and Target.

“Mary is a tremendous leader with deep experience guiding globally recognized brands,” said American’s CEO Robert Isom. “Her operational, commercial and marketing expertise – along with her success leading complex organizations – will be important assets to American and our board.”

A native of Chicago, Dillon is actively involved in philanthropy and community service. She currently serves as chair of the board of trustees of Save the Children. She holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

About American Airlines Group (NASDAQ: AAL)
American Airlines is a premium global airline connecting more of the U.S. to the world. With roots tracing back to an air mail carrier in the Midwestern United States in 1926, American now operates more than 6,000 daily flights to more than 350 destinations in more than 60 countries and serves more than 200 million customers annually. Powered by a proud and talented team of 130,000 aviation professionals, American’s team lives out the airline’s purpose of caring for people on life’s journey every day.

The world’s largest airline proudly celebrates its centennial year in 2026, reaching a milestone that reflects a century of innovation and the Forever Forward^SM spirit that changed the industry and the world. American introduced the first scheduled air cargo service, the first airport lounge and the first airline loyalty program and continues to reinvent the customer experience today. The airline is also a founding member of the oneworld alliance, whose members serve more than 900 destinations around the globe.

Get the latest about American at news.aa.com and @AmericanAir. 

Corporate Communications
mediarelations@aa.com 

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d5126608-5381-45bc-92b2-ab3860ebbf19

FAQ

Who is Mary Dillon and why was she elected to the American Airlines (AAL) board on March 24, 2026?

Mary Dillon is a senior consumer and operational executive with decades of leadership experience. According to American Airlines, she brings CEO experience at Foot Locker, Ulta Beauty and U.S. Cellular and will strengthen the board’s commercial and operational expertise.

What board committees will Mary Dillon join at American Airlines (AAL)?

Dillon will join the Compensation Committee and the Corporate Governance and Public Responsibility Committee. According to American Airlines, these assignments align with her governance experience and executive background in consumer-facing operations.

How does Mary Dillon’s background relate to American Airlines’ business and board needs (AAL)?

Dillon’s background spans marketing, operations and CEO roles at major consumer brands, relevant for customer strategy and transformation. According to American Airlines, her operational and commercial expertise will support board oversight of customer experience and strategy.

What prior CEO roles did Mary Dillon hold before joining the American Airlines (AAL) board?

Dillon served as CEO of Foot Locker (2022–2025), Ulta Beauty (2013–2021) and U.S. Cellular (2010–2013). According to American Airlines, these roles demonstrate her track record leading large consumer and retail organizations.

Does Mary Dillon have previous board experience relevant to her role at American Airlines (AAL)?

Yes. Dillon has served on several corporate boards, including KKR since 2018 and past roles at Foot Locker, Starbucks, Ulta Beauty, U.S. Cellular and Target. According to American Airlines, that experience supports her governance contributions.