DALLAS, Feb. 2, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of
Directors of Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) has appointed
Grace D. Lieblein as a member of the
Board. Lieblein most recently served as Vice President, Global
Quality for General Motors (GM), and has more than 20 years of
experience in senior executive positions in the Automotive
Industry. For a photo of Lieblein, visit www.swamedia.com.
"Grace brings wide-ranging Leadership and operational experience
to our Board of Directors," said Gary
Kelly, Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive
Officer for Southwest Airlines. "Her long list of accolades,
awards, and accomplishments is impressive, and she has earned a
stellar reputation for being a team-builder, visionary, and
passionate Servant Leader. We're thrilled to welcome Grace
onboard!"
Lieblein retired as Vice President Global Quality of GM in 2015,
after a career that spanned 37 years. Among the highlights,
Lieblein was Chief Engineer for the very successful mid-size
crossover vehicles, including the award-winning Buick Enclave. She
was the first woman to be named as President and Managing Director
of GM Mexico, and later served as President and Managing Director
of GM Brazil. Prior to her Quality position, she was Vice President
of Global Purchasing and Supply Chain for the company. Lieblein
serves on the Board of Directors for Honeywell International, Inc.,
and has served on several non-profit boards.
She received her Masters of Business Administration degree at
Michigan State University and a
Bachelor of Science-Industrial Engineering degree at Kettering University.
Lieblein joins David W. Biegler;
J. Veronica Biggins; Douglas H. Brooks; William H. Cunningham, PhD; John G. Denison; Thomas
Gilligan, PhD; Gary C. Kelly;
Nancy B. Loeffler; John T. Montford; and Ron Ricks as members of the Southwest Airlines
Board of Directors.
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
49,000 Employees to more than 100 million Customers annually.
Southwest proudly operates a network of 97 destinations across
the United States and seven
additional countries with more than 3,900 departures a day during
peak travel season.
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 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 43 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 Co.