JetBlue Airways has announced that Joanna Geraghty, who presently serves as the company’s president and chief operational officer, will become CEO on 12th February 2024, succeeding Robin Hayes. Until then, Hayes will remain a member of the company’s board of directors; Geraghty will then join the board. In the upcoming months, Hayes will serve as a strategic advisor.
Robin Hayes will remain on JetBlue’s board of directors until 12th February and will serve as strategic advisor over the following months. Commenting on how bittersweet it is to retire from the airline, Hayes has felt “it has been a privilege to lead JetBlue for the past nine years” and wishes for the airline’s continued success.
Identifying the reasons behind the retirement, Hayes mentions that after 35 years in the Aviation Industry he has decided to focus on health and well-being after realising the challenges and pressure behind the role have taken their toll.
“With a rigorous succession plan in place, the board and I are confident that Joanna is more than ready given her critical role in running JetBlue’s day-to-day business and positioning the airline for success. She guided the operation through the most turbulent time in airline history, has overseen the development and execution of new commercial initiatives, and has tirelessly worked to make JetBlue a better place for our crewmembers and customers. She has been actively engaged in our integration planning with respect to our proposed Spirit transaction. In addition, Joanna and the team have developed a strong plan for JetBlue as we work to return to profitability. For all these reasons, I know the airline is well equipped to continue driving progress and I can pass the baton with confidence knowing she is the right leader at the right time for our airline.”
Robin Hayes.
Geraghty has held positions at JetBlue for almost 20 years, contributing in a variety of increasing responsibility. She assumed leadership of the airline’s operations and commercial performance in 2018 after being appointed president and chief operating officer. Her responsibilities included network, brand and marketing, and revenue management. Prior to this, Geraghty was responsible for airports, customer service, and in-flight amenities as JetBlue’s executive vice president of customer experience. In addition, she served as vice president, associate general counsel, director of litigation and regulatory affairs, and executive vice president, chief people officer. She has additionally held a position on the JetBlue Foundation board of directors.
“I am honored and excited to serve as the next CEO of JetBlue. With a beloved brand, an industry-leading customer experience, a unique culture, and the industry’s best crewmembers, JetBlue has long been a disruptor. I’m excited to continue working with JetBlue’s 25,000 crewmembers who are as energized as I am about challenging the status quo and bringing humanity to an industry long dominated by the legacy carriers. I’m so proud of what we’ve accomplished over the last 20-plus years, and I am looking forward to building on this momentum as we execute on our strategic initiatives, return to profitable growth, and generate sustainable value for our shareholders and all our stakeholders.”
Joanna Geraghty
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