Pinnacle Airlines has named Ryan Gumm as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer effective Feb. 5.

Upon the company's emergence from bankruptcy, Gumm will become president and chief executive officer, and John Spanjers will retire.

"We're excited to welcome Ryan to the executive leadership team," Spanjers said. "He brings vast experience in airline operations and will take on a central role in Pinnacle's providing safe and reliable services to its customers."

Gumm was previously executive vice president and chief operating officer of Delta Private Jets. Prior to that, he was president of Comair. He also served in leadership positions at Freedom Airlines and Mesa Airlines. Gumm earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Professional Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He holds an airline transport pilot certificate, a type rating on the EMB-145 regional jet and a commercial flight instructor certificate.

The move comes just in time for a major transition for the company. Pinnacle is moving its corporate headquarters out of Memphis and relocating by May to Minneapolis-St. Paul.