About
Brand Strategy Built on Rare Depth
Nearly three decades of experience translating brand narratives and partnerships into stronger customer demand, revenue performance, and international market expansion.
Rahsaan Johnson has nearly three decades of experience working principally with global airlines to strengthen market preference, scale their international brands, and align reputation with commercial growth.
Most recently, he served as Managing Director of Global Communications at Delta Air Lines, leading communications for the airline's commercial and international divisions across more than 20 markets outside the United States. His work aligned earned, paid, and social media with Delta's commercial strategy and strengthened global awareness of the airline's network, premium products, and international partnerships.
Previously, Johnson spent nearly 14 years at United Airlines, most recently as Managing Director of Sponsorships and Inclusive Partnerships. In that role, he redesigned United's sponsorship portfolio — shifting the airline's approach from traditional sports marketing to community-centered partnerships designed to deepen brand relevance and customer loyalty, growing Net Promoter Score among target consumer segments by more than 300% versus baseline.
Earlier in his career, Johnson held roles at Aon, HSBC North America, Continental Airlines, and US Airways, developing expertise operating inside complex global organizations navigating regulatory pressure, operational disruption, and competitive market shifts.
Education & Credentials
Harvard Business School
Alumnus
General Management Program
Thunderbird School of Global Management
Executive Master of Arts
Global Affairs & Management
Wharton School
Certificate
Chief Revenue Officer Program
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Bachelor of Arts
Journalism & Mass Communication
Core Competencies
Career Timeline
Managing Director, Global Communications
Delta Air Lines2024–2025- Led communications across 20+ international markets spanning Europe, Middle East, Africa, India, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America
- Led a global team of 10 direct staff plus ~30 agency personnel worldwide
- Elevated brand sentiment in key global markets through targeted PR campaigns
- Served as advisor to senior executives on messaging, media engagement, and stakeholder communications
Managing Director, International Communications
Delta Air Lines2022–2024- Aligned brand strategy, executive visibility, media relations, and customer communications across global commercial divisions
- Modernized digital storytelling for commercial objectives across owned and paid channels
Managing Director, Sponsorships & Inclusive Partnerships
United Airlines2021–2022- Transformed a $40M+ sponsorship portfolio of 30+ sports, entertainment, and lifestyle properties
- Led a team of seven direct reports and two agencies (~15 supporting personnel)
- Established United's first-ever sponsorship KPI and results-tracking system
- Grew Net Promoter Score among target consumer segments by more than 300% versus baseline
Director, Sponsorships & Brand Activation
United Airlines2016–2021- Delivered high-profile activations that consistently garnered national news coverage and viral social media engagement
- Implemented data-driven activation strategies across sports, entertainment, and lifestyle properties
Director & Manager, Public Relations
United Airlines2008–2016- Secured extensive coverage in USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, CBS This Morning, Today, and CNBC
- Led enterprise brand communications through United's post-merger transformation
- Managed crisis communications during viral incidents and operational disruptions
Director, Public Relations
Aon2006–2008- Global head of PR for Aon Risk Services and Aon Re Global — combined $6B annual revenue, 120 countries
- Drove 90%+ increase in media coverage of revenue-growth initiatives
- Managed $2M global PR budget with dotted-line oversight of 20+ professionals across Europe, Latin America, and Africa
Earlier Roles
HSBC North America / Continental Airlines / US AirwaysPrior to 2006- Built foundational expertise in financial services and aviation communications
- Developed skills navigating regulatory environments and competitive market shifts
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