DALLAS- The Board of Directors of Southwest Airlines (WN) has appointed Rakesh Gangwal, co-founder of IndiGo (6E) as a member, effective July 7.
Gangwal brings extensive airline industry experience as the co-founder of InterGlobe Aviation, known as IndiGo, India’s largest airline by fleet size and passengers carried.
Southwest Appoints IndiGo Gangwal
Before co-founding IndiGo in 2006, Gangwal served as Chairman, President, and CEO of Worldspan Technologies, a provider of technology and information services to the travel and transportation industry.
Before Worldspan, he was President and CEO of US Airways Group and its Chief Operating Officer. He also held executive roles at Air France (AF) and United Airlines (UA).
“I am delighted to welcome Rakesh, who brings to our Board decades of valuable experience as an executive and entrepreneur at some of the world’s leading airlines,” said Gary Kelly, Executive Chairman of the Board. “Having co-founded IndiGo and grown it into India’s largest airline, Rakesh knows the importance of building a business with both a distinct culture and enduring profitability.”
“I have long admired Southwest Airlines and am honored to join the Board,” said Gangwal. “Together with the rest of the Board, I look forward to supporting the company’s strategic direction and building on its well-earned reputation as one of the world’s most admired and respected airlines.”
“Rakesh’s expertise in travel technology will be valuable as we continue to make investments that support our operations and strategic initiatives,” added Kelly. “We look forward to working with Rakesh and benefiting from his insights to best serve our customers, support our employees, and drive long-term shareholder value.”
Served other Boards
In addition to his role on the board of InterGlobe Aviation, Rakesh Gangwal has served on several other public company boards, including US Airways Group, CarMax, Office Depot, OfficeMax, and PetSmart.
He holds a Bachelor of Technology degree from the Indian Institute of Technology and a Master of Business Administration from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
Gangwal’s appointment aligns with the Board’s strategic efforts to diversify its composition, incorporating professionals with a wide range of skills and experience crucial to Southwest Airlines’ business.
These areas include aviation, travel, finance, technology, consumer services, governmental affairs, human capital, environmental sustainability, and logistics and operations.
Over the past three years, as part of these ongoing refreshment efforts, the Board has appointed a total of eight new independent and highly qualified Directors, including Gangwal.
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