Ryan Green, Southwest Airlines’ Executive Vice President and Chief Transformation Officer, will leave his role on April 1, according to a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Green informed the airline of his decision to depart on February 18.
Green has been with Southwest since 2002. He assumed his current position in July 2024, following roles as Chief Commercial Officer from October 2022 to July 2024 and Chief Marketing Officer for nearly seven years prior, as stated on his LinkedIn profile. Southwest has not yet provided further details regarding his departure.
The SEC filing also revealed an amendment to Southwest’s cooperation agreement with Elliott Investment Management, dated October 23, 2024. Effective February 19, Elliott is now permitted to acquire up to a 19.9% stake in the airline, an increase from the previous limit of 14.9%.
Elliott, an activist investor, had previously pressured Southwest to overhaul its board and replace President and CEO Bob Jordan. The two parties reached an agreement in October 2024, which included the appointment of six new board members and the early departure of former CEO Gary Kelly from the board. Jordan retained his position as part of the deal.
Green’s departure and Elliott’s expanded stake follow Southwest’s recent announcement of workforce reductions. The airline plans to cut 15% of its corporate workforce, affecting approximately 1,750 positions. This includes 11 members of the senior leadership team, though Green is not among them. Southwest CEO Bob Jordan described the decision as “unprecedented in our 53-year history” in a statement addressing the layoffs.
The changes come amid ongoing challenges for the airline as it navigates operational and financial pressures.
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