Delta CEO Ed Bastian was named among the top 10 CEOs in Glassdoor’s Employees’ Choice Awards for the Top CEOs of 2021, which names leaders who excelled at supporting their people throughout the challenging days of the pandemic. With a 97 percent approval rating, Bastian ranked 24 percent above the average CEO approval rating based on the 1.5 million employers reviewed on site.

“Throughout the pandemic, Ed has been steadfast about putting people before profits and ensuring that safety and wellbeing are at the forefront of each and every decision along the way,” said Joanne Smith, Delta’s E.V.P and Chief People Officer. “That’s a leadership lesson for the ages, and one that’s made all the difference.”

Bastian led a global workforce of 75,000 employees through the most challenging year in the company’s and industry’s history. His tenure as CEO has been guided by empathy, humanity and devotion to service. He demonstrated leadership and inspired the Delta people through an unimaginable crisis by communicating frequently and transparently with employees and always putting people’s health, safety and well-being first, including readily available COVID-19 testing and vaccinations.

Under Bastian’s leadership and due to innovation, hard work and shared sacrifice of Delta employees - including significant contributions through early retirement and departure packages - the airline was able to avoid involuntary furloughs for U.S. employees throughout the pandemic.

"Through a challenging year, it's inspiring to see top CEOs who, according to their employees, adapted to change, redefined visions and led with transparency while putting the health and safety of employees first,” shared Christian Sutherland-Wong, Glassdoor’s Chief Executive Officer.

Bastian was selected among other top CEOs from companies across various industries, including technology, health, finance and retail.

For full award methodology, please visit Glassdoor’s website.