JetBlue Airways (JetBlue) has released that Joanna Geraghty, who currently holds the position of President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) at the company, will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer, effective from February 12, 2024, succeeding Robin Hayes. Hayes will continue to serve on the company’s Board of Directors until that date, after which Geraghty will join the Board. Hayes will also act as a strategic advisor to the company in the months ahead.
Hayes said: “It’s bittersweet to retire from this airline I love, but I will always feel a part of the JetBlue team and be rooting for its continued success. For nearly 35 years – both at British Airways and here at JetBlue – I’ve loved working in this industry. However, the extraordinary challenges and pressure of this job have taken their toll, and on the advice of my doctor and after talking to my wife, it’s time I put more focus on my health and well-being. I am deeply grateful for these many exciting years and I feel very lucky to have worked at an airline with a brand, culture and team that are simply unlike any other in the world.
During her nearly two-decade career at JetBlue, Geraghty has made significant contributions in various roles of increasing responsibility. In 2018, she was appointed President and Chief Operating Officer, assuming responsibility for the airline’s operations and commercial performance, which includes network, branding, marketing and revenue management. Prior to this, Geraghty served as JetBlue’s Executive Vice President, Customer Experience, overseeing airports, customer support, and inflight services. She also held the positions of Executive Vice President, Chief People Officer, as well as Vice President, Associate General Counsel, and Director of Litigation and Regulatory Affairs. Additionally, she served as a board member of the JetBlue Foundation. Before joining JetBlue, she was a partner at the law firm Holland & Knight.
Geraghty presently serves on the board of directors of L3Harris Technologies and holds the position of chairperson of the board at Concern Worldwide, an international not-for-profit organization. She obtained her bachelor’s degree from the College of the Holy Cross, her master’s degree in International Relations from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, and her J.D. from Syracuse University College of Law.
