Southwest Airlines Announces Leadership Change

DALLAS, Aug. 25, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) today announced the promotion of Ryan Martinez to Managing Director Investor Relations, effective Sept. 11. Martinez began his Southwest career in Investor Relations in 2006, where he spent seven years. Since that time, he has held many leadership roles within the Finance Department, most recently as a Senior Director in Corporate Planning and Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A).

"Ryan has been a tremendous Leader in our Finance Department for more than a decade, and his servant Leadership-style has been instrumental in strengthening relationships both internally and externally," said Southwest's Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Tammy Romo. "I'm so incredibly proud of our world-class Investor Relations Team, and we're fortunate to have a Leader of Ryan's caliber to step into this leadership role." 

Martinez will fill the role currently held by Marcy Brand, who has chosen to assume a different Leadership role in the Finance Department.  Martinez has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance from Louisiana State University in Shreveport and is a Certified Public Accountant in the State of Texas.

ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.

In its 47th year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) continues to differentiate itself from other air carriers with exemplary Customer Service delivered by more than 55,000 Employees to more than 100 million Customers annually.  Southwest proudly operates a network of 101 destinations in the United States and nine additional countries with more than 4,000 departures a day during peak travel season. Service to Turks and Caicos is expected to begin Nov. 5, 2017, subject to requisite government approvals. On Sept. 5, 2017, Southwest will cease service to Varadero and Santa Clara to concentrate its future Cuba service in Havana.

Based on the U.S. Department of Transportation's most recent data, Southwest Airlines is the nation's largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded. The Company operates the largest fleet of Boeing aircraft in the world, the majority of which are equipped with satellite-based WiFi providing gate-to-gate connectivity. That connectivity enables Customers to use their personal devices to view video on-demand movies and television shows, as well as nearly 20 channels of free, live TV compliments of our valued Partners. Southwest created Transfarency®, a philosophy which treats Customers honestly and fairly, and in which low fares actually stay low. Southwest is the only major U.S. airline to offer bags fly free®  to everyone (first and second checked pieces of luggage, size and weight limits apply, some airlines may allow free checked bags on select routes or for qualified circumstances), and there are no change fees, though fare differences might apply. The airline proudly unveiled a bold new look:  Heart. A new logo, aircraft livery, interior design featuring a new seat and Flight Attendant galley, Employee-designed uniforms, and an updated airport experience all showcase the dedication of Southwest Employees who connect Customers with what's important in their lives.

From its first flights on June 18, 1971, Southwest Airlines launched an era of unprecedented affordability in air travel described by the U.S. Department of Transportation as "The Southwest Effect," a lowering of fares and increase in passenger traffic whenever the carrier enters new markets. With 44 consecutive years of profitability, Southwest is one of the most honored airlines in the world, known for a triple bottom line approach that contributes to the carrier's performance and productivity, the importance of its People and the communities they serve, and an overall commitment to efficiency and the planet. The 2016 Southwest Airlines One Report™ can be found at SouthwestOneReport.com.

Book Southwest Airlines' low fares online at Southwest.com or by phone at 800-I-FLY-SWA.

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SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co.