Name: Nat Pieper
Title: CEO at oneworld
City: Dallas, Texas
First job: Stadium vendor
Nat, you became CEO of the oneworld alliance in April 2024; how is it going?
It’s surprising how quickly nine months have passed. My early focus has been identifying the priorities that will drive the alliance forward — improving customer experience, accelerating digital capabilities and pursuing initiatives at scale where collaboration with partner airlines is more effective than acting alone. I have restructured the oneworld organization to be leaner and more outcome-focused so we can deliver on those priorities. Visiting nearly all 13 member airlines in person to meet CEOs and leadership teams was essential: it helped me understand their strategies and where the alliance can add the most value. Beyond travel, the biggest takeaway has been how strongly each member airline wants oneworld to succeed, which is energizing for our work ahead.
How has your background prepared you for this role?
I’ve spent my career in the airline industry — 27 years since graduate school — with roles across finance, aircraft and engine transactions, and airline partnerships. I began at Northwest Airlines in Minneapolis, then worked at Delta Air Lines in Atlanta and Paris, spent five years at Alaska Airlines in Seattle, and now lead oneworld from Dallas. My work has ranged from analyzing and negotiating aircraft and engine deals to developing global joint ventures and alliance initiatives. Across all those roles the constant has been collaboration: finding practical, creative solutions that benefit multiple parties. Years living and working abroad have also given me firsthand experience with different cultures and perspectives, which is critical for leading a global alliance.
Why did you accept the role of CEO of oneworld?
The international reach of the airline business has always appealed to me, and leading an organization made up of 13 global airlines is an exciting responsibility. oneworld has grown substantially since it began 25 years ago — our members operate more than 4.5 million flights annually on a combined fleet of over 3,400 aircraft — and I’m honored to have the chance to advance the alliance for our guests and member airlines.
Have you enjoyed the move to Dallas?
Dallas has been welcoming. The heat here is intense — I grew up in Tampa and expected something similar, but Dallas brings a different level of summer warmth. The city offers great food, friendly people and an easy lifestyle. We haven’t picked up cowboy boots yet, but we’re enjoying the experience so far.
What is your favorite city?
I have several favorite cities, but Paris holds a special place in my heart. My wife, daughter, cat and I lived there for four years and built lasting friendships. The city’s food, culture, architecture and museums created many unforgettable moments, so Paris always evokes fond memories.
What hobbies do you have?
Swimming is my preferred way to clear my head and stay fit, whether in a pool or open water. After long workdays or extended travel, a swim is my go-to reset. I’m also an avid baseball fan, a passion shared by my family.
When it comes to vacation, how do you decide on your next vacation destination?
We usually pick warm-weather destinations for holidays, with the occasional winter trip when we want snow. Tahiti, Kaua’i and Banff are family favorites. Fiji is also high on our list now, especially with the region’s growing aviation connections and the prospect of new oneworld developments there.
What does the future hold for oneworld and airline alliances in general?
Alliances exist because airlines need partners to give loyal guests seamless access to destinations worldwide. For oneworld, while there are still a few geographic gaps we’d like to fill, our immediate priority is delivering a consistently excellent guest experience across all itineraries, whether a trip uses a single oneworld airline or several members. That means investing in digital capabilities that directly support the customer journey. We’ve made meaningful progress on those fronts and are focused on launching high-quality products that make travel easier and more enjoyable for our guests.