American Airlines Group today announced Ron DeFeo will join the company as vice president – global communications.
DeFeo, the brother of Travel Trolley Editor Todd DeFeo, will report to Elise Eberwein, Executive vice president – people and communications and will oversee media relations, social media, employee communications, creative services, employee engagement and community relations. DeFeo’s appointment fills the role vacated earlier this year due to a retirement.
“Ron will lead a team of energetic and talented communication professionals whose mission is to facilitate a culture of collaboration and sharing of knowledge,” Eberwein said in a news release. “Ron possesses an in-depth, demonstrated understanding of servant leadership, and is the perfect leader to further our mission to equip frontline employees with the knowledge and information they need to succeed, as well as facilitate effective two-way communication among all of our key stakeholders. We welcome Ron to American, and look forward to his many contributions.”
DeFeo most recently served as senior vice president of communications for Darden Restaurants where he oversaw internal and external communications. Previously, he led media relations and brand strategies for The Home Depot, managing social media, reputation and issues management and crisis communications. He also served on the public relations agency side, working four years with Ketchum.
DeFeo holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from DePauw University and a Master of Business Administration from The University of Georgia. He serves on the Board of Advisors for The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations, and is a founding member of Page Up, the Arthur W. Page Society’s development organization for senior communications executives. He will relocate to Dallas/Fort Worth with his wife, Courtney, and their two children.
