Delta Air Lines VP of sales operations and innovation Kristen Shovlin has announced her retirement, according to a Friday Delta Business LinkedIn post. She has led the sales operations and development team for about 14 years, according to Delta.
Shovlin joined the airline’s global sales team in 2008, “where she launched the sales operations function with industry-first innovations,” according to Delta. Prior to joining the carrier, she led reservations, customer care and sales support at Northwest Airlines and began her career in 1985 with Republic Airlines as a part-time reservations agent.
BTN recognized her as one of the 25 most influential executives in business travel in 2012. Shovlin also was a founding member of the Global Business Travel Association Winit strategic advisory board, and GBTA in 2022 recognized her as one of the “Top 50 Women in Travel.”
GBTA CEO Suzanne Neufang commented on LinkedIn that Shovlin has been “a beacon of inspiration in our industry. You are leaving big shoes to fill!”
The date of Shovlin’s last day wasn’t immediately disclosed, nor has Delta announced her successor. Delta did not immediately respond to a request for comment and additional information.
