Southwest Airlines Announces Promotion Of Linda Rutherford

Southwest Airlines has announced the promotion of Linda Rutherford to Senior Vice President, Chief Communications Officer.

With the promotion, Rutherford will add the Company’s Culture Services Department to her oversight and will report to Executive Vice President Corporate Services Bob Jordan, while continuing to work directly with Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Gary Kelly on communication efforts and Culture activities.

“Linda embodies what it means to Live the Southwest Way, and she has skillfully championed our Communication and Outreach efforts for the past 25 years,” Kelly said.

With the addition of Culture Services, Rutherford will continue to oversee the Company’s Communication & Outreach efforts, as well as Employee Engagement. She will join the Company’s Corporate Services Leadership team and will work with that group to ensure Southwest has the best processes, policies, and tools to serve the airline’s growing and diverse workforce.

“Linda is a true visionary who has a passion and a love for our Company that is second to none,” said Bob Jordan.

“I’m excited to work with Linda and her Teams to continue our legacy of being one of the most admired companies in the world.”

Rutherford began her Southwest career in 1992, and she has held several Leadership positions, including Vice President, Chief Communications Officer and Vice President Communication & Outreach. Her responsibilities include overseeing the Company’s Media Relations, Employee Communications, Emergency Response and Business Continuity, Strategic Public Relations, Social Business, Charitable Giving and Community Relations, Visual Communication, Employee Engagement & Travel, and Community Affairs and Grassroots. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Texas Tech University.