Southwest Airlines reports changes to executive Leadership ranks

Southwest Airlines Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Gary C. Kelly announced changes to the Company’s executive Leadership ranks with Thomas M. Nealon named as President and Michael G. Van de Ven named as the airline’s Chief Operating Officer. These changes are effective immediately. In his role as President, Nealon will report to Kelly and have responsibility for the Commercial, Finance, Technology, Corporate Delivery, and Corporate Strategy departments. Commercial and Finance functions will transition to Nealon later this year. As Chief Operating Officer Van de Ven also will report to Kelly and expand his operational responsibilities, by adding Customer Support & Services, Hospitality, and the Company’s President’s Council. Van de Ven’s current responsibilities for Ground Operations, Air Operations (Inflight, Flight Operations, and Network Operations Control), Technical Operations, Safety & Security, Labor Relations, and Operational Strategy & Performance will continue.