ATLANTA — Delta CMO Tim Mapes will assume an expanded role that includes leading communications when the airline’s current CCO, John “Ned” Walker, retires on 1 May.

As chief marketing and communications officer, Mapes will lead Delta’s global marcomms strategy. Responsibilities will include Delta’s internal and external corporate communications and marketing functions including advertising, corporate brand management and community engagement. He will also continue to serve as president of the Delta Foundation.

“Tim is a world-class communicator. His more than 30 years of brand, marketing and communications experience inside and outside of Delta make him a strong leader to continue to elevate the momentum we have today,” said Delta CEO Ed Bastian.

Mapes has been Delta’s senior VP and CMO for more than a decade, as which he is responsible for the airline’s global brand, product development, distribution, and all related marketing, advertising and promotional activities including community affairs. Before that, he held roles as Delta’s VP of marketing and CMO of Song, Delta’s low-cost carrier.

Walker, meantime, is retiring after his second stint as Delta’s chief communicator. Walker, who had been the carrier’s CCO from 2008-2014, returned to the role in 2016 as the airline underwent leadership changes.