DALLAS, Nov. 25, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest
Airlines (NYSE: LUV) today announced that Tom Nealon will join Southwest Airlines in
January 2016 as Executive Vice
President Strategy & Innovation.
Until recently, Nealon served Southwest as a member of its Board
of Directors. He was appointed to that position in 2010 and during
the course of his service on the Board, he has participated on the
Audit, Nominating and Corporate Governance, and Safety and
Compliance Oversight committees. Nealon will report to Southwest
Airlines Chairman, President, and CEO Gary
Kelly.
Formerly, Nealon was Group Executive Vice President of JCPenney
Company, Inc. He held other leadership positions at JCPenney in
Information Technology, with jcp.com, Corporate Strategy and
Planning, and Digital Ventures. Nealon joined JCPenney as Executive
Vice President & Chief Information Officer in 2006.
"As a board member, Tom was engaged and contributed at a high
level," Kelly said. "Now, with his extensive knowledge in strategy,
technology, and innovation, he will serve Southwest well in this
leadership position."
For a photo of Nealon, please visit:
www.swamedia.com/photos.
Nealon earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Villanova University in Pennsylvania and a Master's degree in Business
Administration from the University of
Dallas. Before JCPenney, Nealon was a partner with The Feld
Group, where he served in a consultant capacity as Chief
Information Officer for Southwest from May
2002 to October 2006. Nealon
has also served as Chief Information Officer for Frito-Lay, a
division of PepsiCo.
ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
In its 45th year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV)
continues to differentiate itself from other air carriers with
exemplary Customer Service delivered by more than 48,000 Employees
to more than 100 million Customers annually. Southwest
operates more than 3,600 flights a day, serving 97 destinations
across the United States and seven
additional countries.
Based on the U.S. Department of Transportation's most recent
data, Southwest Airlines is the nation's largest carrier in terms
of originating domestic passengers boarded. The Company operates
the largest fleet of Boeing aircraft in the world, the majority of
which are equipped with satellite-based WiFi providing gate-to-gate
connectivity. That connectivity enables Customers to use
their personal devices to access streaming music provided by Apple
Music or to view video on-demand movies and television shows, as
well as nearly 20 channels of free, live TV compliments of our
valued Partners. Southwest created Transfarency℠, a
philosophy which treats Customers honestly and fairly, and in which
low fares actually stay low. Southwest is the only major U.S.
airline to offer bags fly free® to everyone (first and second
checked pieces of luggage, size and weight limits apply, some
airlines may allow free checked bags on select routes or for
qualified circumstances), and there are no change fees, though fare
differences might apply. In 2014, the airline proudly unveiled a
bold new look: Heart. The new aircraft livery,
airport experience, and logo, showcase the dedication of Southwest
Employees to connect Customers with what's important in their
lives.
From its first flights on June 18,
1971, Southwest Airlines launched an era of unprecedented
affordability in air travel described by the U.S. Department of
Transportation as "The Southwest Effect," a lowering of fares and
increase in passenger traffic whenever the carrier enters new
markets. With 42 consecutive years of profitability,
Southwest is one of the most honored airlines in the world, known
for a triple bottom line approach that contributes to the carrier's
performance and productivity, the importance of its People and the
communities they serve, and an overall commitment to efficiency and
the planet. The 2014 Southwest Airlines One Report™ can be found
at SouthwestOneReport.com.
Book Southwest Airlines' low fares online
at Southwest.com or by phone at 800-I-FLY-SWA.
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SOURCE Southwest Airlines