Southwest Founder Herb Kelleher Stepping Down as Chairman

Star-Telegram:

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Q&A with Herb: Southwest's chair prepares to step down
By TREBOR BANSTETTER
[email protected]

The airline business is full of legendary figures, from Charles Lindbergh to Richard Branson.

But few are as revered as Southwest Airlines co-founder Herb Kelleher, who is renown not just for his larger-than-life persona, but for building what most consider the most successful airline of modern times.

Kelleher, 77, will step down as Southwest’s chairman Wednesday, after the airline’s annual shareholder’s meeting at Southwest’s headquarters adjacent to Dallas Love Field airport. While he won’t stop working for the airline, he will no longer be heavily involved in the company’s strategy and operations. Gary Kelly, the airline’s chief executive, will take over the chairman position.

Much of Kelleher’s notoriety comes from his oft-stated love for Wild Turkey, his chain-smoking (even while he presides over company meetings), and his headline-grabbing antics like arm-wrestling Kurt Hewald, chairman of Stevens Aviation, at the Dallas Sportatorium for the right to the slogan “Just Plane Smart.” [Full Interview]

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