Southwest Airlines Announces Leadership Changes
Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) today announced several leadership changes.
Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer Randy Sloan is leaving the Company in mid-July. Kathleen Wayton, who is currently the airline's Vice President of Corporate Delivery—Operations & Reservations, has been promoted to Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer upon Sloan's departure.
"Randy has built a strong leadership team within the Technology department over the last five years, which will ensure a smooth transition for Kathleen in her new role," said Southwest's President Tom Nealon. "Randy's contributions have been many and immeasurable, most recently overseeing the successful deployment of the largest technology initiative in our Company's history as we transitioned into a new reservation system. We wish him well."
"We are blessed to have such a talented leader as Kathleen to step into Randy's role. Kathleen has played a critical role in the delivery of Southwest's strategic initiatives over the last several years. Specifically, she led the historic and successful launch of Southwest's international air service in 2014, as well as the technology system integration from AirTran to Southwest." Nealon said.
Additionally, Southwest has hired Stan Alexander into a new role of Vice President & Chief Technology Architect, effective July 10. Alexander will lead the Technology Teams responsible for Enterprise Architecture, Enterprise Data & Analytics, Enterprise Data Delivery, and Enterprise Integration Strategy—working across the organization to drive execution across multiple major initiatives.
Most recently, Stan served as the principal consultant of Digital Pilot LLC, an affiliate of the Feld Group Institute, where he provided technology strategy, architecture and leadership consulting services to FedEx, and very recently to Southwest. Prior to that, Stan held several technology leadership roles with BNSF Railway, where he was responsible for enterprise architecture, data, security and infrastructure services before leading all business systems development and support for rail operations across service scheduling, transportation management, crew and equipment operations. With over 30 years of experience as a technical leader, Stan has worked in both operational and consultative roles with BNSF Railway, Electronic Data Systems (EDS), The Feld Group, CSX Technology and Bellcore (now known as Telcordia) to provide technology and systems integration services to Fortune 500 companies, including: Delta Air Lines, The Home Depot, Coca-Cola, First Data and Bellsouth (now part of AT&T).
"I am thrilled to welcome Stan into the Southwest Leadership Team. Stan is a talented leader with a gifted mind and an impressive track record for building and integrating systems across complex networks. We're lucky to have him," Nealon said.
Southwest is also promoting Anthony Gregory as the new Vice President of Ground Operations, effective July 1, 2017. Gregory will be responsible for a team of more than 18,000 Employees in providing a safe, reliable, and efficient experience to Southwest Customers. His key responsibilities include overseeing airport operations for Southwest's entire domestic and international network. Gregory joined Southwest Airlines in 2007, and has served in leadership positions in Ground Operations, Financial Planning & Analysis, and Network Planning. Prior to joining Southwest, Gregory was a pilot and flight instructor. Anthony earned a Bachelor of Science in Aviation degree from Purdue University; MBA and M.A. Economics degrees from West Virginia University.
"Anthony's tremendous leadership experience, diligent work ethic, and servant's heart will ensure his success as Vice President Ground Operations," says Steve Goldberg, Senior Vice President Ground Operations & Provisioning. "His profound care for our Employees, coupled with his passion for ensuring an outstanding Customer Experience, aligns perfectly with the vision and values of our Ground Operations Team."
ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
In its 47th year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) continues to differentiate itself from other air carriers with exemplary Customer Service delivered by more than 54,000 Employees to more than 100 million Customers annually. Southwest today proudly operates a network of 101 destinations in the United States and nine additional countries with more than 3,900 departures a day during peak travel season. Service to Turks and Caicos begins Nov. 5, 2017, subject to requisite government approvals.
Based on the U.S. Department of Transportation's most recent data, Southwest Airlines is the nation's largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded. The Company operates the largest fleet of Boeing aircraft in the world, the majority of which are equipped with satellite-based WiFi providing gate-to-gate connectivity. That connectivity enables Customers to use their personal devices to view video on-demand movies and television shows, as well as nearly 20 channels of free, live TV compliments of our valued Partners. Southwest created Transfarency®, a philosophy which treats Customers honestly and fairly, and in which low fares actually stay low. Southwest is the only major
U.S. airline to offer bags fly free® to everyone (first and second checked pieces of luggage, size and weight limits apply, some airlines may allow free checked bags on select routes or for qualified circumstances), and there are no change fees, though fare differences might apply. The airline proudly unveiled a bold new look: Heart. A new logo, aircraft livery, interior design featuring a new seat and Flight Attendant galley, Employee-designed uniforms, and an updated airport experience all showcase the dedication of Southwest Employees who connect Customers with what's important in their lives.
From its first flights on June 18, 1971, Southwest Airlines launched an era of unprecedented affordability in air travel described by the U.S. Department of Transportation as "The Southwest Effect," a lowering of fares and increase in passenger traffic whenever the carrier enters new markets. With 44 consecutive years of profitability, Southwest is one of the most honored airlines in the world, known for a triple bottom line approach that contributes to the carrier's performance and productivity, the importance of its People and the communities they serve, and an overall commitment to efficiency and the planet. The 2016 Southwest Airlines One Report™ can be found at SouthwestOneReport.com.
Book Southwest Airlines' low fares online at Southwest.comor by phone at 800-I-FLY-SWA.
Media Contacts:
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