Southwest Names New Chair of the Board

Southwest Airlines has a new chair of its board.

The airline on Thursday named Doug Brooks, who has served as a director at Southwest since 2010 and was previously CEO of Brinker International, as the new chairperson of its board of directors. Brooks takes over for Rakesh Gangwal, who resigned as chair after less than a year in the position. Gangwal will remain on the board even after leaving the chair position.

“Doug is a decisive leader and has a proven track record of creating shareholder value. He is well-prepared to take on this important role and has a strong appreciation for and understanding of Southwest’s history and future direction,” said Bob Jordan, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Vice Chairman of the Board of Southwest. “

At the same time, Southwest is forming a Fleet Oversight Committee “to assist the Board in its oversight of the Company’s aircraft fleet acquisition strategy.” Gangwal will head that committee.

Spurred by pressure from an activist investor, Elliott, Southwest has been undergoing a significant period of change since the pandemic restart.

The airline has essentially recreated itself, targeting a higher-end consumer than before. It has done this by dropping open seating, ending its two-free-bag policy, launching international flights, and adding fare bundles.