JetBlue Airways president Robin Hayes will succeed Dave Barger as chief executive officer effective 15 February 2015.
"Robin is a highly talented and experienced airline executive who understands JetBlue's culture and strategy. During his time as chief commercial officer and president, Robin proved he is the right leader to take JetBlue into the future," says JetBlue chairman Joel Peterson.
Barger's contract was due to expire in February 2015 after almost eight years at the helm of the carrier, and industry observers have speculated in recent months that he would likely leave the carrier. Barger was part of the team that founded JetBlue.
"I have been looking for the right time to take the next step in my life for a while, and my decision was ultimately determined by the strong state of the company and my absolute confidence in Robin's leadership," says Barger in a statement.
He will serve on JetBlue's board until 15 February 2015, and Hayes will join the board a day later.
Hayes, who joined the airline in 2008, was promoted to president in January from chief commercial officer. Before his career at JetBlue, he had served as executive vice president of the Americas at British Airways.
"I continue to believe in our mission to inspire humanity, and as CEO I will be a faithful steward of the culture that has made JetBlue so successful. The airline industry has never been more competitive, but I believe we can continue to grow profitably," says Hayes.
Hayes' appointment to the top role will likely please Wall Street analysts, who have repeatedly questioned the airline's strategy and costs. Barger has long defended JetBlue's business model, maintaining that there is a place for a "hybrid carrier" in a US airline industry that is largely dominated by legacy airlines and low-cost carriers.
Source: Cirium Dashboard
