SOUTHWEST AIRLINES APPOINTS LAUREN WOODS TO SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT TECHNOLOGY AND CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

Rhea-AI Summary

Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) has announced the promotion of Lauren Woods to Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, effective February 1, 2023. Woods, who joined the company in 2010, was previously Vice President of Technology and will oversee technology investments worth approximately $1.3 billion this year. She replaces Kathleen Merrill, who transitioned to an Executive Advisor role after nearly 19 years, during which she led significant technology projects. Woods will focus on transforming the airline's data platforms and managing its technology infrastructure.

Positive

• Lauren Woods' promotion signals strong leadership continuity in the Technology Department.
• Oversight of $1.3 billion in technology investments could lead to significant operational improvements.

Negative

• Transition from Kathleen Merrill may create temporary gaps in strategic oversight as a new leader adapts to the role.

DALLAS, Feb. 1, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) today announced the promotion of Lauren Woods from Vice President of Technology to Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, and she will report to Chief Administration & Communications Officer Linda Rutherford.

Since joining Southwest^® in 2010, Woods has led key initiatives across Southwest's Technology Department, supporting the Company's Digital and Customer Channels and various Operations Teams and Platforms. She established cloud infrastructure, creating a new development and delivery platform for complex application ecosystems. In her new role, Woods will play an important role in managing the airline's technology investments, upgrades and system maintenance totaling approximately $1.3 billion in 2023, alone. She is also heavily focused on the transformation of Southwest's enterprise data platforms that drive the Company's data science, analytics, optimization and system integrations. Woods graduated from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management & Marketing.

Woods assumes this role following Kathleen Merrill's decision in September 2022 to move to an Executive Advisor in early 2023. Merrill was instrumental in creating the Strategic Planning and Implementation Department, rolling out a new Rapid Rewards system, integrating Air Tran into Southwest and beginning to fly internationally, upgrading technology platforms from Sabre to Amadeus, and the Company's response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

"I first want to thank Kathleen for her many and immeasurable contributions to Southwest Airlines for nearly 19 years, overseeing some of the industry's largest and most historic technology projects. We all owe a tremendous debt of gratitude for the many positive ways Kathleen contributed to Southwest's reputation as one of the most celebrated companies and we are grateful she will continue serving Southwest in her new role," said Southwest Airlines President & CEO Bob Jordan. "Lauren's vast experience has prepared her well for this important role, as she's built a stellar reputation for being an innovative and transformational Leader in our Technology Department and throughout the Company."

ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO. 
Southwest Airlines Co. operates one of the world's most admired and awarded airlines, offering its one-of-a-kind value and Hospitality at 121 airports across 11 countries. Having celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 2021, Southwest took flight in 1971 to democratize the sky through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel and now carries more air travelers flying nonstop within the United States than any other airline¹. Based in Dallas and famous for an Employee-first corporate Culture, Southwest maintains an unprecedented record of no involuntary furloughs or layoffs in its history. By empowering its more than 66,000² People to deliver unparalleled Hospitality, the maverick airline cherishes a passionate loyalty among as many as 130 million Customers carried a year. That formula for success brought industry-leading prosperity and 47 consecutive years³ of profitability for Southwest Shareholders (NYSE: LUV). Southwest leverages a unique legacy and mission to serve communities around the world including harnessing the power of its People and Purpose to put communities at the Heart of its success. Learn more by visiting Southwest.com/citizenship. Southwest is also continuing to develop tangible steps toward achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, including offering Customers an opportunity to help the airline offset its carbon emissions. To be part of the solution, visit Southwest.com/wannaoffsetcarbon.

_{1) U.S. Dept. of Transportation most recent reporting of domestic originating passengers boarded   
2) Fulltime-equivalent active Employees    
3) 1973-2019 annual profitability} 

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/southwest-airlines-appoints-lauren-woods-to-senior-vice-president-technology-and-chief-information-officer-301736664.html

SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co.

FAQ

Who is the new Chief Information Officer of Southwest Airlines?

Lauren Woods has been appointed as Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Southwest Airlines.

What are Lauren Woods' responsibilities at Southwest Airlines?

Lauren Woods will manage technology investments and oversee the airline's technology infrastructure, focusing on significant upgrades and transformations.

What is the financial impact of Lauren Woods' promotion for Southwest Airlines?

Woods will oversee approximately $1.3 billion in technology investments in 2023, which can enhance operational efficiency and support growth.

Who did Lauren Woods replace as Chief Information Officer?

Lauren Woods replaced Kathleen Merrill, who transitioned to an Executive Advisor role.

What prior experience does Lauren Woods have at Southwest Airlines?

Woods joined Southwest Airlines in 2010 and has led key technological initiatives within the company's Technology Department.