Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly to step down, new leader named

Dallas-based Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) announced June 23 that Chairman and CEO Gary Kelly will transition into the role of executive chairman, effective early next year.

Bob Jordan, currently executive vice president of corporate services, will take the reins and join the board effective Feb. 1. Kelly, who has held the CEO title since 2004, will remain executive chairman until at least 2026, at the discretion of the board.

“I’ve said this before, but it truly feels as if we are at…