Rakesh Gangwal, the IndiGo co-founder, brings aviation and technology expertise from roles at Worldspan, US Airways, Air France, and United Airlines.
Southwest Airlines has appointed Rakesh Gangwal to its Board of Directors, citing his extensive industry experience. Gangwal, a co-founder of India’s largest airline by fleet size and passenger volume, InterGlobe Aviation (IndiGo), brings an extensive background in aviation and technology. He previously held pivotal roles including Chairman, President, and CEO of Worldspan Technologies, a provider of travel and transportation industry solutions. Earlier in his career, Gangwal served as President and CEO of US Airways Group, following his tenure as its COO. His prior executive positions include roles at Air France and United Airlines.
Gary Kelly, Executive Chairman of the Board, stated,“I am 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, Having co-founded IndiGo and grown it into India’s largest airline, Rakesh knows the importance of building a business that has both a distinct culture and enduring profitability. Rakesh’s expertise in travel technology will be valuable as we continue to make investments that support our operations and strategic initiatives, We look forward to working with Rakesh and benefitting from his insights to best serve our Customers, do right by our Employees, and drive long-term Shareholder value.”
Apart from his board position at InterGlobe Aviation, Rakesh Gangwal has served on multiple other public company boards such as US Airways Group, CarMax, Office Depot, OfficeMax, and PetSmart. Gangwal holds a Bachelor of Technology degree from the Indian Institute of Technology and a Master of Business Administration from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
Rakesh Gangwal, a member of the Board of Directors, Southwest Airlines, said, “I have long admired Southwest Airlines and am honored to join the Board, Together with the rest of the Board, I look 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.”
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Gangwal’s appointment underscores the Board’s strategic initiative to diversify its membership with professionals possessing diverse expertise crucial to Southwest Airlines’ operations. These areas encompass aviation, travel, finance, technology, consumer services, governmental affairs, human capital, environmental sustainability, logistics, and operations. This move is part of the Board’s ongoing commitment to rejuvenate its composition, having appointed eight new independent and exceptionally qualified Directors, including Gangwal, within the past three years
