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Old 02-08-2013 | 11:19 AM
  #122162  
Wasatch Phantom
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Originally Posted by Timbo
No, this VP was pre-carpet bagger days, back when Delta lived by C.E. Woolman's motto; Hire good people, treat them right, they'll keep the customers happy, and Delta will be successful. After the controller strike and economic downturn of 1981-83, Delta was the only Major who didn't furlough anyone. That's why when, in 1983, they ordered the (new) 767's, the employees contributed enough money to buy the first one, as a show of gratitude for not furloughing. In 1985, Delta had been number 1 in Customer Satisfaction for 17 straight years. Until Mo'Ron took over, Delta had NEVER lost money for a single quarter, let alone a full year!

Then, in 1987, Dave Garrett retired, and instead of picking Hollis Harris (the guy who talked to our newhire class) the board chose Ron Allen as the new CEO...

Ron bought Pan Am, paid 3x too much for it, going into a huge recession in 1991, and for the first time in Delta's history, started furuloughing people in 1993. His famous quote, when asked if that would have a negative impact on all employee morale, was, "So Be It".

Ron was so bad, the board finally fired him (didn't renew his contract) and hired Leo Mullen, who WAS the KING of Outsoucing! Leo came from McKinsey Associates, an outsourcing consulting firm.

It was Leo and his underling, Fred Reid, who bought 600 RJ's, gave them to Com Air and ASA, to replace our narrow body flying.
Timbo,

I didn't come along until 1990 and Mo'Ron was already CEO. Everyone spoke very highly of Hollis Harris, and the frequently pondered question was "Why wasn't Hollis Harris the CEO?" My recollection is Hollis Harris was pretty much universally liked and respected by Delta employees whereas Mo'Ron was not. When it was announced Mo'Ron was leaving there was quite a bit of celebration amongst employees.

I've wondered how different Delta would be if Hollis Harris had been given the top job instead of Ron Allen. Perhaps we would have escaped the disastrous tenure of Leo Mullin as well....

I think it was late 1990 when Mr. Harris left Delta for Continental, and maybe a year later became the CEO of Air Canada.