Leadership will be changing at Atlas Air next year, with William Flynn becoming chairman of the board and John Dietrich filling the role of CEO.

After 13 years, Flynn will retire on 1 January 2020 and become chairman of the board, while executive vice president and chief operating officer Dietrich will become president and COO with immediate effect, retaining presidency when he assumes the role of chief executive officer.

Chairman of the board Robert Agnew will become the board’s lead independent director on 1 January.

Agnew says the leadership transition plan will ensure continued success in the future, saying: “Given John’s depth of experience and proven track record of performance, we are confident that he is uniquely suited to take on the chief executive officer role and lead Atlas into its next growth phase.”

He also thanked Flynn for his leadership, saying he has built a more dynamic and profitable company.

Agnew says: “Under his leadership, we have grown our fleet, diversified our service offerings, broadened our customer base, and developed a world-class team of talented, customer-focused employees. Bill is well-prepared to have a significant impact as chairman of the board.”

Achievements of Flynn’s tenure include transforming Polar Air Cargo with the DHL joint venture, investments in Boeing 747-8 Freighters, the acquisition of Southern Air, growing relationships with express and e-commerce customers, expansions with long-term customers, and entering the passenger charter market.

Dry-leasing subsidiary Titan Aviation Holdings was established and has grown into a major freighter leasing company.

Flynn says: “It has been a great privilege to lead the company through this period of tremendous growth, and strengthen our position as a leader in global aviation outsourcing. I am proud of our dedicated and experienced employees, and the business we have built as a team.”