Peter Carter has been promoted to E.V.P. External Affairs, expanding his role leading Delta’s legal, regulatory and government affairs functions to oversee the airline’s international, innovation and sustainability strategy. Carter will remain on the Delta Leadership Committee.
“Peter has long served as a trusted and knowledgeable adviser to me as well as the entire Delta leadership team, and he embodies Delta’s culture of service to our people and our communities,” said Delta CEO Ed Bastian. “I am thrilled that he has agreed to take on this expanded role as we continue to rebound from the global pandemic and look ahead to a vibrant, yet complex future, including navigating a dynamic U.S. and geopolitical landscape, innovating technologies to transform the air travel experience, and building a sustainable future.”
Carter joined Delta in 2015 as E.V.P and Chief Legal Officer with a focus on ensuring Delta’s freedom to operate, protecting Delta’s brand and advocating for the airline’s interests with policymakers around the world.
Under his oversight, government affairs ensured CARES Act support for Delta and the aviation industry in the form of payroll grants, saving thousands of jobs and positioning the U.S. air travel industry to continue to provide essential services. He also oversaw the COVID-19 vaccination response in Delta’s key markets nationwide, accelerating the delivery of lifesaving vaccines throughout local communities. On the international front, Carter provided strong support to Delta partners during their restructurings, ensuring they and Delta are poised to maintain the best global network.
“I am honored to lead the finest and most dedicated group of aviation professionals in the world,” said Carter. “I look forward to advancing Delta’s business goals from growing the greatest and most competitive commercial network on the globe, to connecting people to a more sustainable future for air travel as we look ahead to reaching our audacious sustainability goals.”
Before joining Delta, Carter was a partner at the international law firm of Dorsey & Whitney LLP, where he chaired the firm’s Policy Committee. Before joining Dorsey, Carter clerked for Judge James B. Loken at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.
For the past five years, Carter has chaired Delta’s United Way campaign, and under his tenure, the legal team has provided valuable pro bono work to the Georgia Justice Project, among other initiatives. Carter is also the executive sponsor of Delta’s Senior Talent Council, focused on developing future Delta leaders.
