Ron Defeo

Ron DeFeo is American’s Chief Communications and Marketing Officer. He is responsible for all internal and external communications, marketing, sponsorships, community affairs, team member recognition and event management.

Previously, Ron served as American’s Senior Vice President of Global Engagement and Vice President of Global Communications, where he oversaw media relations, social media, employee communications, content services, employee engagement and community relations.

Prior to joining the airline, Ron served as Senior Vice President of Communications for Darden Restaurants, where he managed internal and external communications. From 2003 through 2011, he led media relations and brand strategies for The Home Depot, handling social media, reputation and issues management, and crisis communications. Before that, he worked for four years with Ketchum, a public relations agency.

Ron is a member of Page, the world's leading professional association for senior communications executives, and serves on the AdPR Executive Advisory Council at the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Georgia. Previously, he served nine years on the Board of Advisors at The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations at the University of Alabama.

Ron earned a bachelor’s degree in communication from DePauw University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Georgia.