Southwest Airlines Announces Two Leadership Changes

DALLAS, Aug. 4, 2017

John Zuzu has been promoted to Managing Director Corporate Facilities, which became effective Aug. 1. Zuzu joined Southwest in 1995 and previously served as Senior Director of Corporate Facilities. Zuzu has a combined 35 years of experience in building design, construction, and maintenance. Over the last 22 years, he has held numerous roles at Southwest, all within the Facilities Department, including: Computer Aided Drafting Specialist, Project Manager, Special Projects Lead, and Director. 

"John is a consummate professional and a tremendous Leader, managing a myriad of very complex projects vital to our Company's growth—and he and his Team deliver them on time and on budget," said Southwest's Executive Vice President Corporate Services Bob Jordan. "We are extremely fortunate to have someone of John's caliber leading our fantastic Corporate Facilities Department." 

Additionally, Thomas Merritt is joining Southwest Airlines as Vice President Technology—IT & Infrastructure Services, effective Aug. 7. Merritt joins Southwest with over 30 years of technical and leadership experience. Most recently, Merritt served as Senior Vice President of Enterprise Technology Operations at Sabre, where he led the architecture, engineering, and operational support for all infrastructure platforms. Prior to that, he served as Vice President of Architecture, Engineering, and Operations at Sears Holdings, where he was responsible for the architecture, design, and support of all technology platforms. Merritt has also previously served in other various consultative, technical, and leadership roles at United Airlines, Blue Cross Blue Shield Florida, The Feld Group, and Bank of America.

"I am thrilled to welcome Tom into the Southwest Leadership Team. Tom has a vast amount of expertise and experience across several industries, which will serve us well as we continue to invest in and build our technology capabilities for generations to come," said Southwest's Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer Kathleen Wayton.  

ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
In its 47th 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 55,000 Employees to more than 100 million Customers annually. Southwest proudly operates a network of 101 destinations in the United States and nine additional countries with more than 4,000 departures a day during peak travel season. Service to Turks and Caicos is expected to begin Nov. 5, 2017, subject to requisite government approvals. On Sept. 5, 2017, Southwest will cease service to Varadero and Santa Clara to concentrate its future Cuba service in Havana.

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. The airline proudly unveiled a bold new look:  Heart. A new logo, aircraft livery, interior design featuring a new seat and Flight Attendant galley, Employee-designed uniforms, and an updated airport experience all showcase the dedication of Southwest Employees who connect Customers with what's important in their lives.