Southwest Airlines said Wednesday that Robert Jordan will succeed Gary Kelly as chief executive, effective Feb. 1, 2022.
Jordan has been with the company since 1988 and has served in a number of roles including executive vice president of corporate services.
Robert Jordan - Company portfolio at Southwest.
Most recently, he led the voluntary leave and early separation programs during the pandemic, which the company says helped it to avoid furloughs and layoffs.
“Bob and I have worked side by side for more than 30 years. He is a gifted and experienced executive and well-prepared to take on this important role," Kelly said in a statement.
Kelly, who’s been with the company for 35 years, was first promoted to CEO and vice chairman in 2004. He assumed the role of chairman and president in 2008, but relinquished the title of president in 2017.
Kelly will move into the executive chairman role in 2022, where he plans to remain until 2026. During his time on the job, he guided the airway through multiple milestones, such as the airway’s acquisition of AirTrain Airways, the launch of international destinations and the introduction of the Boeing 737 MAX 8 to the airline’s fleet.
