Dallas-based Southwest Airlines announced Monday that it has appointed Rakesh Gangwal, an experienced airline executive and entrepreneur, to its board of directors, effective July 7.
Gangwal brings deep and extensive airline industry experience to Southwest’s board. He’s the co-founder of InterGlobe Aviation, known as IndiGo, which is India’s largest airline by fleet size and passengers carried, according to Southwest.
“I’m delighted to welcome Rakesh, who brings to our board decades of valuable experience as an executive and entrepreneur at some of the world’s leading airlines,” Gary Kelly, executive chairman of the board, said in a statement. He added that Gangwal “knows the importance of building a business that has both a distinct culture and enduring profitability.”
Co-founded IndiGo in 2006
Before co-founding IndiGo in 2006, Gangwal’s career included roles as chairman, president, and CEO of Worldspan Technologies, a provider of technology and information services to the travel and transportation industry. He also served as president and CEO of US Airways Group, and previously as its COO. Southwest noted that Gangwal has held executive roles at Air France and United Airlines as well.
Commenting on his appointment, Gangwal said, “I have long admired Southwest Airlines and am honored to join the board.” Together with the board, he looks forward to “supporting the company’s strategic direction and building on its well-earned reputation as one of the world’s most admired and respected airlines.”
Kelly highlighted the value of Gangwal’s expertise in travel technology, saying it “will be valuable as we continue to make investments that support our operations and strategic initiatives.” He added that the company looks forward to benefiting from Gangwal’s insights to “best serve our customers, do right by our employees, and drive long-term shareholder value.”
In addition to his board service at InterGlobe Aviation, Gangwal has served on several other public company boards, including US Airways Group, CarMax, Office Depot, OfficeMax, and PetSmart. He holds a Bachelor of Technology degree from the Indian Institute of Technology and a Master of Business Administration from The Wharton School at University of Pennsylvania.
Southwest Airlines said Gangwal’s appointment is part of the board’s deliberate efforts to evolve its composition. The company aims to include professionals with a diverse range of skills and experience in areas critical to its business, including aviation, travel, finance, technology, consumer services, governmental affairs, human capital, environmental and sustainability, and logistics and operations.
The airline noted that as part of its continued refreshment efforts, the board has appointed a total of eight new independent and highly-qualified directors, including Gangwal, over the last three years.
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