Southwest Airlines has announced the appointment of Tom Nealon as president.
Nealon takes over the president role from CEO Gary Kelly who relinquished it but will continue as chief executive.
Kelly has served as Southwest’s chief executive for 12 years.
It is important for us to evolve our leadership structure as part of our ongoing succession planning process," Kelly said.
Nealon is a former chief information officer for Southwest and rejoined the company last year as Strategy & Innovation EVP.
As president his responsibilities cover commercial activity, finance, corporate delivery and strategy.
Among other executive changes, Michael G. Van de Ven has taken on the added responsibility for customer support and services and hospitality as the airline’s chief operating officer.
"I am very excited to announce these executive changes, which will position us well to support our people and to collectively serve both our customers and our shareholders," Kelly added.
