American Airlines is reshuffling its commercial leadership ranks once again, with Brian Znotins stepping down as the carrier’s top network planner. According to an internal memo from Chief Commercial Officer Nat Pieper, Znotins will retire from the position he has held since 2020.
Nick Andersen, a veteran of the airline industry with nearly two decades of experience at both American Airlines and US Airways, will succeed Znotins. Andersen is set to begin his new role as senior vice president of network planning on November 1. His background spans network strategy, revenue management, pricing, operations, fleet planning, and labor analysis.
Broader Commercial Restructuring
The network planning change is part of a larger organizational shift within American Airlines’ commercial division. Pieper’s memo outlined additional adjustments to the reporting structure. Commercial planning and performance teams will now report to Scott Chandler, the vice president of revenue management, while the company evaluates the optimal future structure for these units.
Other key appointments include Margaret Mueller, who joins as vice president and managing partner of Chicago. This hire comes as American Airlines intensifies its competition with United Airlines at O’Hare International Airport. Additionally, Chris Kelly Singley is moving from oneworld to take on the role of vice president of commercial communications, advertising, and partnerships.
These personnel changes follow a period of significant transition for the airline’s executive team. Former Chief Commercial Officer Vasu Raja departed in 2024 following a reversal of the carrier’s distribution strategy. Nat Pieper arrived in 2025, and CEO Robert Isom reassigned executive responsibilities in August.
Strategic Focus on International Growth
While American Airlines has historically prioritized its domestic network, the financial returns have increasingly come from international routes. Pieper has publicly stated his intention to rebuild the airline’s Los Angeles hub and expand its dominance in Latin American markets.
To support this premium positioning, the carrier is upgrading its fleet amenities. American Airlines is installing seatback screens on narrowbody aircraft and rolling out Starlink internet connectivity across its mainline fleet. These investments aim to differentiate the carrier in a competitive market where service quality is a key differentiator.
The leadership changes signal a continued effort to stabilize and refine the airline’s commercial strategy. With Andersen taking the helm of network planning, the focus will likely remain on optimizing route profitability and international expansion. The airline’s ability to execute these strategies will depend on how effectively the new leadership integrates these teams and executes the planned hub improvements.
Source: Skift
