Southwest Airlines names new CIO to aid with technology fixes after holiday meltdown

Dallas-based Southwest Airlines Co. has promoted Lauren Woods from vice president of technology to senior vice president and chief information officer.

Woods, who joined Southwest (NYSE: LUV) in 2010, will play a key role in assisting with the airline’s $1.3 billion on technology improvements, upgrades and system maintenance that have become its top priority since it canceled 16,700 flights between Christmas and New Year’s. The holiday meltdown resulted in a $220 million loss during the fourth…