Delta hires Mayo doc as its first chief health officer

Delta Air Lines has hired a top Mayo Clinic physician to become the company’s first chief health officer.

Dr. Henry Ting, currently the Clinic’s chief value officer, will join Delta on February 15, according to a news release.

In his new role, Dr. Ting will be responsible for leading Delta’s health initiatives amid a turbulent period for the airline industry.

In a memo to employees on Monday, Delta CEO Ed Bastian said Dr. Ting’s focus will be “rethinking and reimagining [Delta’s] approach to health and well-being, utilizing new technologies, artificial intelligence, data strategies and innovative partnerships.”

Delta has been an industry leader in implementing safety measures brought on by the coronavirus. In addition to requiring the use of masks by all passengers and blocking off middle seats, Delta has been working with Mayo since last summer on employee testing, strategies for cleanliness, and operational tactics to reduce the transmission of the virus.

As part of that partnership, Dr. Ting served on an advisory council tasked with reviewing and assessing Delta’s health and safety protocols.

Cover photo: Dr. Henry Ting