New York
CNN
—
JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes is stepping down from his position and might be changed by the airline’s president and COO in February, in line with an announcement Monday.
On February 12, Joanna Geraghty will take over as CEO and can be a part of the corporate’s board. She’s labored at JetBlue for almost 20 years and was named president and COO in 2018. She has additionally held totally different vp positions and led JetBlue’s litigation and regulatory affairs.
Hayes is stepping down after taking recommendation from his physician and talking along with his spouse, as “the extraordinary challenges and stress of this job have taken their toll.” He’ll proceed serving on JetBlue’s board of administrators till his departure and can function a strategic advisor over the approaching months.
“With a rigorous succession plan in place, the board and I are assured that Joanna is greater than prepared given her essential position in operating JetBlue’s day-to-day enterprise and positioning the airline for fulfillment,” Hayes mentioned in an announcement.
“She guided the operation via probably the most turbulent time in airline historical past, has overseen the event and execution of recent industrial initiatives, and has tirelessly labored to make JetBlue a greater place for our crewmembers and prospects.”
Hayes has led JetBlue as CEO for 9 years. He first joined the finances airline in 2008, serving in varied positions comparable to govt vp, chief industrial officer and president. He beforehand labored at British Airways for 19 years.
Geraghty, who was beforehand a associate at a regulation agency, has been “actively engaged” within the service’s bid to purchase Spirit Airways, Hayes mentioned in an announcement. The US Justice Division sued to block JetBlue’s proposed $3.8 billion deal to purchase Spirit in March 2023.
“We imagine the DOJ has bought it incorrect on the regulation right here and misses the purpose that this merger will create a nationwide low-fare, high-quality competitor to the Large 4 carriers which – due to their very own DOJ-approved mergers – management about 80% of the US market,” mentioned JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes on the time.
– CNN’s Chris Isidore contributed to this report.