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 hard to believe it’s only been nine months. I have spent much of my time so far figuring out on what objectives oneworld should focus (customer experience, digital and initiatives of scale where working with partners is more effective than working alone), and then reshaping the oneworld organization to efficiently achieve them. I visited nearly all 13 of our member airlines in person to meet the CEOs and leadership teams, and to learn how oneworld can help them win and execute their strategies. In addition to my passport getting a workout, I discovered each member airline shares a strong desire for oneworld to succeed, which is very exciting.

How has your background prepared you for this role?
I am an airline industry lifer — 27 years since graduate school. I spent my first 11 years at Northwest Airlines in Minneapolis, then 10 at Delta Air Lines in Atlanta and Paris, five at Alaska Airlines in Seattle, and now oneworld in Dallas. My responsibilities have fallen into three areas: finance, aircraft and engines (analyzing, buying, selling, negotiating), and airline partnerships (global joint ventures, global alliances). The key to success in each of my jobs has been figuring out how to get things done productively with others, crafting creative, winning solutions that benefit all involved. My career has also taken me abroad for many years, which is invaluable experience for this role in which understanding diverse cultures, languages and perspectives is essential.

Why did you accept the role of CEO of oneworld?
I have always loved the international aspects of my career and the opportunity it afforded me to travel the world, so it is a huge thrill to lead an organization comprised of 13 global airlines. oneworld has grown remarkably since its inception 25 years ago, with our member airlines now providing more than 4.5 million flights a year on a combined fleet of 3,400-plus aircraft, and I am genuinely honored for the chance to develop the alliance further for guests and member airlines.

Have you enjoyed the move to Dallas?
Dallas has been great so far. The Texas heat has been remarkable — I grew up in Tampa and expected it to be similar, but the heat is more intense here. Dallas has terrific food, fun people and is an easy place to live. We have not yet earned our cowboy boots or belt buckles, but hopefully soon.

What is your favorite city?
I have a few favorite cities, but Paris will always be the one of which I think most fondly. My wife, daughter, cat and I lived in Paris for four years and made amazing friends there. Combine that with the magic of the city — food, culture, architecture, museums — and it always brings back happy memories.

What hobbies do you have?
I love to swim, both in pools and open water. It’s my go-to activity for clearing my mind and staying physically fit, especially after long hours at work or long-haul travel. No matter where I am in the world, finding a pool and getting in a swim is key. I am also an avid baseball fan, a passion my entire family shares.

When it comes to vacation, how do you decide on your next vacation destination?
We tend to gravitate to warm-weather destinations for holiday travel, offset by an occasional desire for snow in the wintertime. Tahiti, Kaua’i and Banff are family favorites. Fiji is a hot spot on our list now, too, home of our soon to be newest oneworld member!

What does the future hold for oneworld and airline alliances in general?
Airline alliances exist because airlines need partners to ensure they can fly their most loyal guests everywhere they want to go. While the oneworld network features a few spots where we seek additional coverage, our primary focus now is to deliver an exceptional guest experience on all oneworld itineraries, whether the journey features travel on a single oneworld airline or multiple members. Effective digital development goes hand in hand with guest experience, and we are excited about the progress we are making and the quality product we will deliver.