DALLAS- Two senior executives of Southwest Airlines (WN), CFO Tammy Romo and CAO Linda Rutherford, will retire on April 1, 2025. Both leaders have served the airline for over three decades, shaping its growth and sustainability.
Bob Jordan, Southwest Airlines’ CEO lauded their contributions, stating that Romo and Rutherford had navigated challenges with vision and integrity, leaving a lasting legacy that will influence the company’s future.
Linda Rutherford, Chief Administration Officer (CAO) | Photo: Southwest Airlines
Tammy Romo, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer (CFO) | Photo: Southwest AirlinesSouthwest Airlines CFO and CAO to Retire
Southwest Airlines (WN) announced the retirement of two key executives, Tammy Romo, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer (CFO), and Linda Rutherford, Chief Administration Officer (CAO).
Both leaders played instrumental roles in the airline’s growth and operational excellence. Their departure marks the end of an era defined by strategic foresight and commitment to innovation.
Photo: Aero Icarus | FlickrTammy Romo’s Distinguished Career
Tammy Romo joined Southwest Airlines in 1991 and ascended through various leadership roles, including Head of Investor Relations, Controller, Treasurer, and Senior Vice President of Planning.
She was appointed CFO in 2012, overseeing the airline’s financial strategies, supply chain management, fuel and fleet strategies, corporate planning, and environmental sustainability initiatives.
Romo’s accomplishments include:
- Awards: Named one of WomenInc.’s Most Influential Corporate Directors (2023), D CEO Magazine’s Outstanding CFO (2022, 2014), and Dallas Business Journal’s CFO of the Year (2014).
- Recognition: Featured in Institutional Investor’s All-America Executive Team for Airlines.
- Advisory Roles: Lifetime member of the McCombs School Advisory Council and an Emeritus member of the Accounting Advisory Council.
Her strategic expertise has been vital to Southwest’s resilience through economic fluctuations and industry shifts. The company has initiated a search for her successor to ensure a seamless transition.
Linda Rutherford’s Career
Linda Rutherford began her career at Southwest in 1992 as a Public Relations Coordinator after working as a journalist.
Her tenure saw her rise to Chief Communications Officer, a role she held for seven years before becoming Chief Administration Officer.
In her current role, Rutherford manages Culture & Communications, Internal Audit, Talent Development, Total Rewards, Technology, and Southwest University.
Rutherford’s impact is evidenced by her numerous accolades:
- Awards: PRWeek Women of Distinction (2023), Missouri Honor Medal (2023), and the Institute of Public Relations Lifetime Achievement Award (2022).
- Hall of Fame Inductions: PR News Measurement, PR News Public Relations, and Texas Tech University College of Media & Communications.
Her leadership has shaped Southwest’s reputation for a strong corporate culture and innovative communication strategies.
Photo: NYSESouthwest Executives Legacy
Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan highlighted the profound influence of Romo and Rutherford on the company’s achievements.
Their leadership through economic highs and lows has fortified the airline’s position in the industry. Their contributions underscore the company’s commitment to sustainability, culture, and strategic growth.
The departure of these leaders signifies both a celebration of their legacy and a pivotal moment as Southwest prepares for new leadership to continue its trajectory of success.
Featured Image By Clément Alloing | Flickr
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News
Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan Salary and Compensation in 2024
The post Southwest Airlines CFO and CAO to Retire appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
