Alaska Air Group Announces the Promotion of Neil Thwaites to Vice President of Global Sales & California Commercial Performance

Alaska Air Group has announced the promotion of Neil Thwaites to Vice President of Global Sales & California Commercial Performance for Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines.

Alaska Air Group’s New Vice President of Global Sales & California Commercial Performance at Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, Neil Thwaites – Courtesy Alaska Air Group

On Thursday (December 11, 2025), Alaska Air Group announced that Neil Thwaites will be promoted to Vice President of Global Sales & California Commercial Performance at Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines.  This newly created role is another step in Alaska’s strategic vision to connect guests to the world with a remarkable travel experience rooted in safety, care, and performance. With 15 years in the airline industry, Mr. Thwaites joined Alaska Airlines in 2022 as Regional Vice President for California.

In Thursday’s announcement, Alaska Airlines’ EVP and Chief Commercial Officer, Andrew Harrison, said,

“With a rapidly expanding global network, this is a transformational moment for our business, and I’m excited that Neil will be leading our sales team into our global era.  This role positions us to accelerate our indirect sales strategy as we continue to grow with the network, premium products, and industry-leading loyalty program to win corporate and leisure guests across the West Coast and beyond.”

In this new role, Mr. Thwaites will lead the strategy and execution of all sales activities for the combined Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines team.  His responsibilities will include growing indirect revenue on Alaska’s expanding international and domestic network, as well as expanding Atmos for Business, a new program designed for small and medium-sized companies.

Neil Thwaites joined Alaska Airlines in January 2022 as Regional Vice President in California.  In that role, he significantly sharpened the airline’s focus and scale in key markets and communities across the state, strengthening Alaska’s position as they continue to grow in California.  He will continue to be based at the company’s California offices in Burlingame. The move will take effect on December 13, 2025, with Thwaites continuing to lead his current California commercial planning and performance function in addition to Global Sales.

Before joining Alaska Airlines, Neil Thwaites worked in multiple positions within the airline industry, including a decade holding roles in London, New York, and Los Angeles for British Airways, most recently as VP Sales – Western USA. In that role, he was responsible for market development strategy and indirect revenue for both British Airways and Iberia across the western U.S.  Mr. Thwaites is originally from the United Kingdom and graduated from the University of Brighton with a double honors degree in Business Administration & Law.

Source: Alaska Air Group