DALLAS, July 15 (UPI) -- Southwest Airlines Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer James F. Parker has retired, the Dallas-based airline announced Thursday.
Officials cited personal reasons for the retirement, which is effective immediately.
The low-fare airline said Gary Kelly, 49, will replace Parker, 57. Kelly had been executive vice president and chief financial officer since 2001.
Kelly joined Southwest as its controller in 1986, becoming vice president finance and chief financial officer in 1989.
Kelly also will take over Parker's seat on Southwest's board.
"As part of our board's succession planning, we had already focused on Gary as Jim Parker's successor, and that process has simply been accelerated by Jim's personal decision to retire," Chairman Herb Kelleher said.
Kelleher added, "Our entire board salutes Jim for his myriad accomplishments and for being an outstanding individual. We will all greatly miss him."
Additionally, Southwest named Laura Wright chief financial officer to replace Kelly. Wright was previously vice president of finance and treasurer.
