American carrier ATA Airlines has named India-born Subodh Karnik as its president and chief executive officer effective from 2007.

He will assume charge on Jan 1, replacing John G Denison who will remain chairman of the American airliner.

Karnik, who was ATA's chief operating officer, was hired in May 2005 and came from Delta Air Lines, where he was senior vice president of marketing planning.

A graduate from the Birla Institute of Technology and Science and the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business, Karnik is the third Indian origin manager to hold a top job in the American aviation sector.

Others were Rono Dutta and Rakesh Gangwal who went on to head United Airlines and US Airways respectively. Both the airlines suffered badly in the aftermath of the terror attacks of September 11, 2001.

ATA is a mid-size airline that employs 2,700 people worldwide.

The passenger carrier entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy in October 2004 and emerged last February as a smaller company operating 29 airliners, compared with 64 before bankruptcy.

"I couldn't be more excited for the employees of ATA with the announcement that Subodh Karnik will be ATA's new President and CEO," said Denison.

"Subodh joined ATA in May 2005 and played a significant role in ATA's revival. He has amply demonstrated the skills and the personal qualities to successfully lead our company for many years to come," he added.