Southwest Airlines announces leadership transition

Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly will step down next year and Robert Jordan, executive vice president of corporate services, will take over the role. Kelly, who has been with Southwest for 35 years and CEO since 2004, will stay on as executive chairman through at least 2026. “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. Kelly is also Chairman of the Board at Airlines for America, having begun a two-year term in January.