About Rakesh Gangwal
Southwest Airlines recently announced the appointment of Rakesh Gangwal, a highly regarded airline industry veteran, to its board of directors. Gangwal, who is known for his deep expertise and successful career in the aviation sector, co-founded IndiGo (InterGlobe Aviation), which is now India’s largest airline both by fleet size and passenger numbers. His experience spans various significant roles across the industry, including executive positions at some of the world’s leading airlines.
Before his entrepreneurial venture with IndiGo, Gangwal amassed considerable experience in airline management and operations. He served as the Chairman, President, and CEO of Worldspan Technologies, a pioneer in providing global distribution systems (GDS) technology. Additionally, his leadership roles at US Airways Group, where he was President and CEO prior to its merger with American Airlines, and his positions at Air France and United Airlines, have well-prepared him for his role on the board of Southwest Airlines.
Impact of Gangwal’s Appointment
Southwest Airlines has expressed enthusiasm about Gangwal’s addition to the board. Gary Kelly, Executive Chairman of Southwest Airlines, highlighted Gangwal’s unmatched experience in building profitable and culturally distinct businesses. Kelly emphasized that Gangwal’s insights into travel technology are particularly valuable as Southwest continues to invest in operational and strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing customer service and maximizing shareholder value.
Gangwal himself expressed his honor at joining the board, noting his admiration for Southwest Airlines’ reputation and expressing eagerness to contribute to its strategic direction and success.
Board Refreshment Strategy
This appointment is part of a broader strategy by Southwest Airlines to rejuvenate its board by incorporating directors with fresh perspectives and diverse expertise. Over the past three years, the airline has appointed a total of eight new independent directors, including Gangwal. These new members bring fresh perspectives and expertise in various fields relevant to the airline’s business, such as aviation, finance, technology, consumer services, governmental affairs, human resources, environmental sustainability, and logistics.
The initiative to refresh the board aligns with Southwest’s objectives to restore its esteemed reputation and maintain its leadership in the competitive airline industry.