JetBlue Names New CEO

Effective Feb. 12, 2024, Joanna Geraghty will take over as JetBlue’s CEO, the first time in its history a woman will lead the airline. She currently serves as the company’s president and chief operating officer.

Geraghty succeeds Robin Hayes, who is retiring though he will continue to serve on the company’s Board of Directors. He will also serve as a strategic advisor to the company over the coming months.

“It has been a privilege to lead JetBlue for the past nine years, and I am proud of all we have accomplished,” said Hayes. “With a rigorous succession plan in place, the board and I are confident that Joanna is more than ready given her critical role in running JetBlue’s day-to-day business and positioning the airline for success.”

Geraghty was critic is getting JetBlue through the pandemic and has been actively engaged in the airline’s integration planning for the proposed merger with Spirit. She has been the airline’s president and COO since 2018.

“When Robin informed us of his decision to retire after many years of service to JetBlue, consistent with the Board’s extensive succession planning, the Board unanimously voted to transition the role to Joanna, knowing she is fully prepared to step into the role,” said Peter Boneparth, chair of JetBlue’s Board. “Joanna is a proven strategic leader and she is clearly the right person to carry JetBlue forward into this next chapter.”

Hayes attributed his retirement to the “extraordinary challenges and pressures of this job” that “have taken their toll…” On the advice of his doctor, he is retiring to focus on his health and well-being.