Class of 03 Jake Abel: Soaring at Delta

Soaring at Delta

After serving in logistics and operations with the Iowa and Minnesota Air National Guard, Jake Abel’s ’03 storied career as a marketing leader was set for takeoff. Today, he’s flying high at Delta Air Lines, where he is the head of marketing strategy, operations and media.

“I lead a team of more than 130 marketers responsible for developing Delta’s marketing strategy,” said Abel. “We build the capabilities that power our over 200 campaigns every year, as we look to build the world’s best airline brand.”

Fueled by his Simpson business management degree and an MBA from the University of Wisconsin, Abel’s ascension in marketing began at Nestle USA in 2009, where he held a variety of roles. During stops in Los Angeles, Tampa and San Francisco, Abel worked on brands such as Drumstick, Coffee-mate and Hagan-Dazs, while also engaging with corporate leaders at Walmart, Target and Costco.

Reaching New Heights

In 2014, Abel joined Delta and has played a central role in growing the marketing organization by five times in size and capabilities over the last 10 years. Prior to the pandemic, he led all of Delta’s marketing outside the U.S.

“There are so many highlights that come to mind about my time at Delta,” said Abel, “including launching the Delta brand in South America and leading our massive media campaign for Team USA during the Paris Olympics. As I’ve continued to grow in my leadership, I’ve also enjoyed the opportunity to share my experience and perspective as a leader at global events like CES and Adweek.”

Though Delta is based in Atlanta, Abel is grateful for his hybrid remote work arrangement, which allows him to enjoy the great outdoors living in Bozeman, Mont., with his partner, Cullan. His marketing focus these days is on identifying the best ways to leverage AI. And as he continues to climb higher in his career, Abel credits Simpson for preparing him to constantly evolve and excel.

“Simpson is the place that shaped me as a leader — where I learned how to lead with integrity, humility and collaboratively. Some people scoff at the value of a liberal arts education, but I think it is literally the key to my success.”