Southwest Airlines to replace COO Mike Van de Ven

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Southwest Airlines to replace COO Mike Van de Ven

Southwest Airlines announced Monday that it will be stepping down its chief operating officer, Mike Van de Ven.

The airline said in a press release that Van de Ven will step down as COO at the end of the month after serving in the position for about 14 years. He is giving up his role as president at the end of the year, at which time Southwest's CEO, Bob Jordan, will take over.

Jordan said in a statement that he wanted to thank Mike for nearly three decades of leadership and his unwavering commitment to the cause of Southwest Airlines. Without his countless contributions, we would not be where we are today. Andrew Watterson, executive vice president and chief commercial officer, will replace Van de Ven, who joined the company in 1993, as COO, effective Oct. 1. Van de Ven will serve as an executive adviser starting in 2023, the airline said.

There are two leadership changes at Southwest at the beginning of October.

Ryan Green, who is currently the senior vice president and chief marketing officer at the airline, will become an executive vice president and chief commercial officer, Southwest announced. Linda Rutherford will be promoted to chief administration and communications officer.

Jordan, who became CEO in February, congratulated Watterson, Green and Rutherford on their promotions, saying that the company is in good hands with their expertise, Leadership, and LUV for our People. In late July, Southwest Airlines reported $6.7 billion in second-quarter operating revenues, compared to $4 billion a year ago. It posted $825 million in net income excluding special items. Its third quarter earnings for 2022 are expected to be released on October 27th.