Aircraft with US Airways and American Airlines liveries after the merger of the two carriers
American Airline’s longtime chief information officer, Maya Leibman, retired from the airline this past week after almost 30 years at the carrier.
“After 30 awesome years, I’ve officially retired from AA,” she said in an announcement shared on LinkedIn. “It’s been a terrific ride and I am so profoundly grateful for all the opportunities I’ve been given. This company has born witness to every major milestone of my adult life from the crazy, single, non-rev days (MEX for dinner – why not?!) to having a teenager who knows more about non-revving than I do.”
Ms. Leibman joined American in 1994 and spent the first 16 years serving in various roles including a stint in Argentina. In 2010, she was named president of the airline’s frequent-flyer program, AAdvantage, and, in January 2012, was promoted to senior vice president and chief information officer, placing her in the position of being responsible for delivering all of the technology that kept the wheels turning and the aircraft aloft.
Later in 2012, Ms. Leibman was named one of several American Airlines executives to helm the new American Airlines following a merger with US Airways. AA CEO Tom Horton was named chairman of the board, and Doug Parker, the CEO of US Airways, became CEO of the combined company.
“Maya was our Chief Information Officer, and a brilliant one,” said Mr. Parker, who recently retired from his role. “But her role in the organization,” he continued, “was even larger than her title. She was an assertive and welcome voice at the table – measured, thoughtful, and caring. And we all knew she was smarter than us, so we listened.”
Ms. Leibman stepped down from the CIO role in 2023 and became a senior advisor to the company. She described her role until now as serving “…as a liaison with and local representative for UK and Europe business leaders, partners of AA, government authorities, and AA team members.”
“I will miss this caring company and this crazy, fun, and addictive industry. But most of all I’ll miss (say it with me everyone…) the people. I feel so fortunate to have worked with the smartest, most capable, most interesting, and most hilarious people and I wish everyone all the best going forward.”
(Photo: Accura Media Group)
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