FIRST: The Garlington Report Called It
Let’s get this out of the way: The Garlington Report was the first to break the news on the Delta CEO announcement. That’s a fact, even if only a few have picked up on it.
Setting the Record Straight
That said, we need to correct one detail: COO Whitehurst is not stepping down immediately, as previously reported. The timing may be off, but the broader point still stands—top-tier talent rarely sticks around for leftovers once power has been divided.
As Fortune pointed out in their coverage (source), someone like Whitehurst—who made over a million annually at Boston Consulting Group before coming to Delta—isn’t likely to stay in a murky role for long. Especially after proving himself through major accomplishments. If you listen closely, you might already hear the steady buzz of recruiters lighting up his BlackBerry.
For High Achievers, It’s Not Just About the Money
When you’ve already made that kind of money, the next move isn’t always about a bigger paycheck. For high achievers, it’s about purpose, influence, and impact. Money may be part of the equation, but it’s rarely the sole motivation.
A Curious Title Shuffle
And here’s a strange twist: Ed Bastian, Delta’s CFO, has also been named President—while the “new guy” steps in as CEO. That’s a title arrangement you don’t often see in major corporations. Does it have precedence? Maybe. But it raises questions.
The Union Angle
More importantly, someone needs to take a closer look at the relationship between Bastian and the head of the pilots’ union. That connection could reveal more than any speculation about creditor influence. Keep an eye on it.