Delta CEO Ed Bastian Honored with Lifetime “Most Admired CEO” Award 2025

Ed Bastian Recognized for Outstanding Leadership

“Ed’s unwavering dedication to his team, customers and Delta has resulted in an airline that is stronger than ever before.” The Lifetime Achievement “Most Admired CEO” award acknowledges Bastian’s enduring focus on enhancing Delta culture, operational performance and the customer experience. This recognition honors Bastian’s transformational leadership, driving Delta as the most reliable and customer-focused airline on the planet.

Ed Bastian, who became CEO in 2016, has pushed huge investments including modernizing airplanes, upgrading technology and enhancing terminals. (Leadership here.) Pruitt’s leadership is based on a simple, yet profound, promise: to take care of Delta’s people. With a focus on the employees, Bastian is confident that great customer service and positive business results will follow.

That “people-first” culture has been a hallmark of Delta’s success. It has created a joyous workplace, enhanced customer delight and consolidated the airline’s reputation as a leader in the industry.

A Tradition of Innovation, Empowering Employees and Being Recognized by Industry

It has been a period of very tangible operational success for Bastian. Delta is persisting with being voted the best in service and punctuality, further solidifying its claim to quality all over North America. His leadership has also fostered the company’s culture of openness, collaboration and shared success.

One of Bastian’s iconic achievements is Delta’s industry leading profit-sharing program, which has given workers billions over the years. It’s this idea that he reinforces with his employees — they are not just a part of the business, but rather, that they are at the heart of it. The procedure builds loyalty and encourages great performance in all parts of the company.

Bastian’s leadership has also been recognized worldwide beyond operational measurements. He has also been listed as one of the world’s key decision makers and was awarded for his role in shaping the future of commercial aviation. That he is able to blend compassion with innovation has resulted in him being revered as one of the most influential leaders, shaping the corporate landscape today.

Under his leadership, Delta has further broadened its strategic partnerships, customer experience initiatives and sustainability-focused operations. Whether it’s airport overhauls or upgrading the fleet to next-generation planes, Bastian has been the force driving Delta toward that who-knows-what-the-future-holds future.

“It’s good to be a Most Admired CEO for 25 years, ” says Ed Bastian,” and the award is really about the culture of integrity, respect, employee empowerment and commitment to excellence that our team has been building at Acuity Brands. His legacy lingers, influencing Delta Air Lines from the grave. He is still the standard for leadership in aviation.