Peter Bowler Retires from American Eagle
Peter Bowler, American Eagle's president and chief executive officer, informed employees Thursday that he is retiring.
Bowler has been president of American Eagle since 1998 and its CEO since 2006. He began at sister company American Airlines in sales administration and training in 1984 and held a number of positions there before moving to American Eagle in 1998.
UPDATE: AMR, parent of American Airlines and American Eagle, issued a press release announcing Mr. Bowler's retirement. Here's a statement from AMR/American chairman and CEO Gerard Arpey:
"For more than a decade, Peter has led the American Eagle team through one of the most challenging periods in our industry. He has also been a key member of American's Executive Committee during this period.
"With a comprehensive understanding of the airline business and a deep concern for Eagle's people, he has overseen the transition of American Eagle to one of the largest regional jet operators in the world, offering over 1,600 flights a day to destinations throughout the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico. I offer my sincere thanks for his leadership and many contributions to American and American Eagle."
Here's Bowler's letter to employees:
May 20, 2010
Dear Eagle and Executive Colleagues,
I am writing to let you know that I recently informed Gerard Arpey and the AMR Board of my intention to retire as President and Chief Executive of American Eagle. The youngest of my three children graduated from university this past weekend and I've decided that this is a good time to conclude one phase of my life and start the next. For the first time in 35 years, I plan to take a few months off and consider a variety of options for the future.
It has been the highlight of my 26-year airline career to be the President and CEO of American Eagle. I am grateful for the opportunity to have served with the wonderful people of American Eagle and am proud of the fact that we have successfully navigated more than 11 years of constant change. We responded quickly to the dramatic events of our times -- from 9/11 to wars in Afghanistan and Iraq; from epidemics to oil spikes and the global financial crisis. Unlike many competitors, we avoided bankruptcy or labor strife and have established an excellent safety culture and safety record and have revitalized our fleet and our facilities.
I have always admired and appreciated your professionalism, your commitment to safety and the courtesy which with you have treated me and each other. I am proud of all of you and the company we have built together. Finally, I am confident you will continue to operate a safe, reliable and successful airline for years to come.
Mr. Arpey plans to select a successor within the month and I will stay on to ensure a smooth transition to your new leader. I hope to see many of you in the interim, and say thank you in person. Until then, please work safely.
Sincerely,
Peter M. Bowler
President and CEO
American Eagle Airlines
Keep reading for his official resume.
Peter Bowler was named President of American Eagle Airlines in September 1998. He was named Chief Executive Officer in 2006.
Bowler joined American in 1984 and has held a variety of staff and line positions in sales, marketing, human resources, and information technology.
At Eagle, Bowler has overseen the integration of three stand-alone airlines to form one of the world's largest regional airlines, operating more than 300 regional aircraft on a network covering the United States, the Caribbean, Canada and Mexico with more than 1,800 daily departures. American Eagle carries in excess of 20 million customers annually and generates approximately $2.4 billion in "onboard" customer revenue in addition to connecting 10 million customers and associated revenue to American Airlines' flights. Eagle's 12,000 employees perform every major airline operations, planning, administrative and sales function, while relying on American Airlines to perform most marketing, pricing and treasury functions.
During his tenure Bowler has led the acquisition and integration of Business Express Airlines, the purchase and integration of more than 230 regional jets, the negotiation of labor agreements with each of Eagle's three unions and the improvement of every major performance metric. Bowler also sits on the American Airlines Executive Committee, which meets weekly to set policy and direction for American Airlines. Bowler reports to AMR CEO and Chairman, Gerard Arpey.
Bowler holds Bachelor and Masters Degrees from St. Francis Xavier University and Queens University in Canada, and an MBA Degree from the Harvard University Graduate School of Business in the United States. Bowler is a member of the Board of Directors for the Dallas Metropolitan YMCA, The Regional Airline Association (former Chairman), and The Montserrat Foundation. Bowler is a member of the Board of Governors of St. Francis Xavier University, where he chairs the Finance Committee and serves on the Executive Committee.
He resides in Dallas, Texas, and has three children, Sarah, Anne and Sam.
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
American Eagle Airlines Inc.
Chief Executive Officer 2006-Present
President 1998-Present
American Airlines
Vice President and General Sales Manager 1997-1998
Managing Director - Reservations 1996-1997
Managing Director - Sales/Marketing Europe, Middle East 1993-1995
Managing Director - Food and Beverage Services 1991-1993
Special Assignment - Corporate Planning 1991-1991
Managing Director - Compensation and Benefits 1990-1990
Managing Director - Info Systems Strategic Planning 1987-1990
Project Manager - Info Systems Planning 1986-1987
Division Manager - Sales Administration/Training 1984-1985
Doane Raymond - Public Accounting/Consulting
Halifax , Nova Scotia, Canada
Director of Marketing, and Marketing Consultant 1983-1984
Banff Club Ski - Ski Lift Tickets, Ski holidays, Ski School
Banff , Alberta, Canada
General Manager 1979-1981
Government of Saskatchewan - Provincial Government
Finance Analyst 1978
EDUCATION
Harvard University , M.B.A. 1983
Cambridge, Mass., United States
Queens University , M.A., Public Administration 1978
Kingston , Ontario, Canada
St. Francis Xavier, B.A. Honors, Political Science 1977
Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada