![]() Jordan, 60, is a long-time Southwest Executive with broad and deep experience. Bob inherits a solid strategy and great momentum to continue the airline's recovery as the COVID pandemic wanes. We are thrilled he is willing to continue to serve as the Board's Executive Chairman, subject to the annual elections process. "Gary has been an outstanding CEO for Southwest for nearly two decades and has developed an excellent group of Senior Leaders to shepherd the airline into its next 50 years. "The airline has a strong Leadership team, and the Board has always taken seriously its role to oversee a strong succession plan for the top Leadership roles,"said William Cunningham, Southwest's Lead Director on the Board. As CEO, he has guided the airline's transformation through several major initiatives, including the acquisition of AirTran Airways, the repeal of the Wright Amendment, the launch of international destinations for the first time in Southwest's history, the installment of a new reservation system, introduction of a new frequent flyer program, debut of the new Heart brand and livery, initiation of the long-awaited service to Hawaii, and the introduction of the Boeing 737 MAX 8 into the airline's fleet -all while staying true to the Company's core values and People-centric Culture. Kelly has often said his biggest source of pride is the fact that Southwest Airlines has never had a single layoff or furlough in the airline's 50-year history. Prior to joining Southwest Airlines in 1986, Kelly was a CPA for Arthur Young & Company in Dallas and Controller for Systems Center, Inc. In January 2017, Kelly relinquished the title of President and named former Southwest Board Member and Executive Tom Nealon to the executive team as President. He assumed the roles of Chairman and President in 2008. Kelly is a 35-year Southwest veteran who began his career at Southwest Airlines as Controller, moving up to Chief Financial Officer and Vice President Finance, then Executive Vice President and CFO, before being promoted to CEO and Vice Chairman in July 2004. Serving as CEO since 2004, Kelly, 66, has led Southwest through some of the airline industry's most turbulent times. These three top-notch Leaders make for a powerful team to lead us forward." Working closely with President Tom Nealon and Chief Operating Officer Mike Van de Ven, we will begin developing transition plans in the coming weeks and months. He is a gifted and experienced executive and well-prepared to take on this important role. "Bob and I have worked side by side for more than 30 years. "On behalf of the Southwest Airlines Board of Directors, I am delighted to announce Bob Jordan as CEO,"Kelly said. Jordan also will join the Board at that time. Executive Vice President Corporate Services Robert Jordan will become Kelly's successor as CEO effective Feb. ![]() (NYSE: LUV) announced that Chairman and CEO Gary Kelly will transition roles in early 2022, becoming the carrier's Executive Chairman with the desire to serve in that role through at least 2026 at the discretion of the Board of Directors. The modern refresh stays true to Southwest’s DNA while incorporating bolder, more modern colors, reflected across all facets of the business: planes, airports, corporate communications-even snack packaging.DALLAS - Today, Southwest Airlines Co. ![]() Every decision backs up the fact that the Values that put Southwest in the air in 1971 are the same Values that will take it into the future. The task, was to take everything Customers and Employees love about Southwest and turn it into a one-of-a-kind brand visualization.Įven as the identity evolved, the livery remained the same-with the bold brand colors reminding the world that Southwest isn’t like other airlines, and the Heart symbol on the belly of the plane conveying it as the airline with Heart and Hospitality. Southwest assembled a creative task force to tap more than 40 years of the Company’s history in an epic evolution of its visual identity. No longer the underdog of the 1970s, Southwest was ready for a brand identity that better reflected its status as an industry trailblazer and trendsetter. It also successfully integrated AirTran Airways into its operations. With the Wright Amendment finally repealed, Southwest expanded into big-time markets like New York and Washington, D.C., and added international destinations, as well. The next evolution of the Southwest logo came in 2014-a big year for the airline on all counts. It appeared frequently in Southwest advertising and was featured in early iterations of the Southwest website. The Company had built its following around a brand promise that gave people the “freedom to fly,” so using imagery that reflected that sense of freedom was a natural extension of the brand. ![]() While it was never an official logo, the “takeoff image” became an important visual component of Southwest marketing in the 1990s and early 2000s. ![]()
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