Alaska Airlines taps British Airways veteran to lead California

Alaska Airlines tapped a former British Airways executive to lead its efforts in California, which the carrier called a "market critical to Alaska’s long-term growth plan.” Neil Thwaites is the new regional vice president of California, making him the highest-ranking Alaska Airlines executive based in the Golden State. Thwaites is based in Alaska’s (NYSE: ALK)  Burlingame office and reports to Andrew Harrison, chief commercial officer and executive vice president.  Thwaites' hiring follows…