Allegiant Announces Ponder Harrison as EVP & Chief Marketing Officer

Allegiant on March 24, announced that Ponder Harrison has been named executive vice president and chief marketing officer.  A seasoned executive, Harrison brings more than 30 years of comprehensive airline and travel industry expertise to this new role. 

“Ponder is one of only a handful of people who have founded or helped start multiple successful low-cost carriers.  He is a well-known airline industry veteran and a proven business innovator - and as one of Allegiant’s original founders has a deep understanding of our company,” said Allegiant President John Redmond.  “His broad leadership skills, entrepreneurial experience and technology background are an ideal fit for the business at this particular time in our life cycle.”  

“I am excited to rejoin this dynamic company and particularly look forward to working with the strong Allegiant senior leadership team,” said Harrison.  “The company’s foundation is solid, and its unique business strategy serves a profitable leisure travel niche that remains poised for continued growth.”

In addition to his airline career, Harrison is also a successful technology entrepreneur.  In 1999, he founded Virtual Premise, Inc., a leading SaaS provider of real estate information management solutions for corporations.  He served as its Chairman and CEO until its acquisition by CoStar Group Inc. in 2011.   

Harrison originally joined Allegiant in 2002, serving as an executive officer and managing director of the company through 2009.  During this time, he played a key role in the design and implementation of Allegiant’s successful business strategy, with leadership roles in revenue management, marketing, e-commerce, inflight and people services.  He has continued to consult on and contribute to the company's business strategy since 2009.  

Prior to Allegiant, Harrison held senior leadership positions at ValuJet Airlines and Airtran Airways from 1993 to 1998.  Harrison started his career with Delta Air Lines in 1983 after earning a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Virginia.   

Harrison will assume the role of executive vice president and chief marketing officer, Allegiant Travel Company, effective Monday, March 27.  He will be responsible for all marketing, sales, distribution, product development, brand integration and customer innovation strategies.  Harrison will report to Allegiant President John Redmond.