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

Brand Strategy & Positioning
Integrated Marketing Strategy
Executive & Internal Communications
Reputation, Issues & Crisis Management
Commercial Growth & Revenue Enablement
Sponsorships, Events & Experiential Marketing
Global Market Expansion
Stakeholder Engagement
Marketing Measurement, Analytics & ROI
Agency Leadership & Vendor Management
Executive Visibility & Thought Leadership
Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Influence

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

Ready to Work Together?

Whether you're building a brand, entering a new market, or rethinking your sponsorship strategy — let's talk.

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