Ron Allen, the president and CEO of Atlanta rent-to-own retailer Aaron’s, has been elected chairman of the company’s board. He replaces R. Charles “Charlie” Loudermilk, the company’s founder, who retired at age 85 in mid-September.

Allen, the former chairman and CEO of Delta Air Lines, has been a member of Aaron’s board since 1997. He became interim CEO in November 2011, after Robert C. “Robin” Loudermilk, the president and CEO, resigned suddenly, citing anxiety. Allen was named to the full-time job in February.

He led Delta from 1987 to 1997.