Southwest Airlines Announces Leadership Changes

DALLAS, May 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) announced today that Executive Vice President of Corporate Services Jeff Lamb has decided to leave the Company to assume a Leadership position at Highland Homes, where he currently serves on their Board of Directors. Lamb's last day at Southwest will be June 30.

Bob Jordan, currently Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, will assume the role of Executive Vice President of Corporate Services effective July 1. In his new role, Jordan will be responsible for the People Department, Southwest University, Airport Affairs, Culture Services, Diversity & Inclusion, and Corporate Facilities. Jordan will report to Chief Executive Officer and Chairman Gary Kelly. 

The Company also announced that Andrew Watterson, currently Senior Vice President & Chief Revenue Officer, will be promoted effective July 1 to Executive Vice President & Chief Revenue Officer. Watterson and his Teams—Customer Relations & Rapid Rewards, Revenue Management & Pricing, Network Planning, and Business Development—and Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer Ryan Green and the Marketing Department will report to Southwest Airlines President Tom Nealon. 

Kelly said, "Jeff's contributions to Southwest over his 12 years have been many and immeasurable. I know the Southwest Family joins me in thanking him for his dedication and Servant Leadership. We wish him well as his journey takes him to a new industry and presents new challenges with a wonderful organization.

"Bob is a talented Leader who has served our Company in a number of capacities and departments throughout his nearly 30 years at Southwest. Fortunately, we are well-positioned for this transition with a deep and talented Leadership Team. Andrew has been a brilliant addition to Southwest, and Tom and I look forward to working with him as a member of the executive leadership Team."

Watterson joined Southwest in October 2013 as Vice President of Network Planning and Performance. Previously, he was with Hawaiian Airlines as Vice President of Planning and Revenue Management.

ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
In its 46th 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 proudly operates a network of 101 destinations in the United States and eight additional countries with more than 3,900 departures a day during peak travel season. Service to both Grand Cayman and Cincinnati begins June 4, 2017; and service to Turks and Caicos is expected to begin 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.com or by phone at 800-I-FLY-SWA.

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SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co.