Delta CEO Ed Bastian to receive Emory honorary degree

May 5, 2026

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Sylvia Carson

Executive Director, Media Relations

In 2026, Ed Bastian marks 10 years as CEO of Delta Air Lines. He has been honored numerous times for his visionary leadership, guiding Delta through some of its most challenging periods, including 9/11, bankruptcy and the COVID-19 pandemic.

— Photo courtesy of Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian will deliver the keynote address at Emory University’s 181st Commencement, scheduled for Monday, May 11. Bastian will receive an honorary doctor of humane letters degree during the ceremony in recognition of his exceptional contributions to business and society.

"Our graduates are entering a world that demands resilience, adaptability and leadership in uncertain times,” says Emory University Interim President Leah Ward Sears. “Ed Bastian has exemplified these qualities by transforming Delta Air Lines into an industry leader despite unprecedented challenges. His consistent leadership at Delta, coupled with his strong commitment to employees, customers and communities, offers an inspiring example of courage, responsibility and vision."

Bastian is a renowned business leader known for his “people-first” approach that has transformed Atlanta’s hometown airline into one of the world’s most beloved brands. In 2026, he marks 10 years as CEO of Delta, leading a global workforce of more than 100,000 employees, including almost 40,000 in Georgia. Headquartered near Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Delta serves nearly 200 million travelers per year with destinations in over 50 countries.

"I am honored to serve as Emory University's 2026 Commencement speaker,” Bastian says. “For nearly 200 years, Emory has been a source of excellence, inspiration and innovation for our entire community. I'm looking forward to celebrating this achievement with the Class of 2026, and their families, friends and loved ones, as they embark on their next chapter."

A veteran Delta employee of almost 30 years, Bastian joined the company in 1998 as vice president of finance and controller. He became Delta’s chief financial officer in 2005, and in 2007 was appointed to serve as the airline’s president, before becoming CEO in 2016. He has steered the company through the most challenging periods in its history, including 9/11, bankruptcy and COVID-19.

Bastian’s leadership philosophy is based on the “virtuous circle,” the belief that if a company takes care of its employees, they take care of the customers, who reward the company with their business and loyalty. He has described his job in five words: “Taking care of our people.”

In 2018, Fortune named Bastian among “The World’s 50 Greatest Leaders,” and in 2019, he was elected to the membership of the Council on Foreign Relations. He was honored by his peer CEOs as Chief Executive magazine’s 2023 “Chief Executive of the Year” and was selected as the 2024 “Georgian of the Year” by Georgia Trend Magazine.

In 2025, when Delta Air Lines celebrated its centennial anniversary — the first US airline to reach such a milestone — Bastian was included on TIME’s annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world and was the recipient of the Tony Jannus Award, one of the airline industry’s highest accolades. In 2026, Delta ranked No. 11 on Fortune’s “World’s Most Admired Companies” list for the third consecutive year and No. 9 on Fortune’s “100 Best Companies to Work For.”

Delta has long been a dedicated partner of Emory, including supporting educational programs at the Goizueta Business School such as the Delta Leadership Coaching Fellows Program; collaborating with Emory’s Office of Global Strategies and Initiatives on efforts like the Free Passport Initiative; and hosting the Emory Clinic at Delta HQ, a clinic staffed with Emory Healthcare providers to deliver health care services to Delta employees.

“As two of Georgia’s largest private employers, Emory and Delta are committed to excellence, service and global influence,” Sears notes. “These shared values strengthen our institutions and benefit the wider community.”

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