Southwest Air’s Kelly to Exit as CEO, Jordan Named Successor
- Transition set for Feb. 1, departing boss to stay as chairman
- Company veteran beats out Nealon, Van de Ven in surprise
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Southwest Airlines Co. Chief Executive Officer Gary Kelly will step down in 2022 after more than 17 years in which he transformed the brash discounter into the largest U.S. carrier by domestic passengers and expanded its network abroad.
Robert Jordan, 60, the company’s executive vice president of corporate services, will take over as CEO on Feb. 1 and Kelly will stay on as executive chairman through at least 2026, the airline said Wednesday in a statement. Jordan was picked over President Tom Nealon and Chief Operating Officer Mike Van de Ven, who were viewed as potential successors to Kelly.