Alaska Airlines Taps Microsoft Veteran as Chief People Officer Amid Global Expansion
Event summary
- Lindsay-Rae McIntyre, a 28-year HR veteran from Microsoft and IBM, appointed Chief People Officer at Alaska Airlines effective April 1, 2026.
- McIntyre succeeds Andy Schneider, who became CEO of Horizon Air in September 2025.
- She will oversee talent strategy, employee experience, and HR operations for Alaska Air Group's 30,000+ employees.
- Appointment comes as Alaska Airlines expands globally, adding European routes and integrating Hawaiian Airlines.
The big picture
This appointment signals Alaska Air Group's focus on cultural cohesion as it expands beyond North America. With Hawaiian Airlines joining the oneworld alliance in 2026 and new European routes launching, maintaining service consistency across 30,000 employees will be critical. McIntyre's tech-sector background suggests a data-driven approach to workforce management during this transformative period.
What we're watching
- Integration Challenges
- How McIntyre will align cultures during Hawaiian Airlines integration and European expansion.
- Talent Retention
- Whether her frontline-focused approach can reduce turnover amid rapid growth.
- Operational Scaling
- The pace at which she can implement global HR strategies across diverse regions.
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