Two Major US Airlines Announce Leadership Changes

Image: American Airlines plane at airport gate. (photo by Eric Bowman)
Image: American Airlines plane at airport gate. (photo by Eric Bowman)
Donald Wood
by Donald Wood
Last updated: 11:05 AM ET, Tue December 13, 2022

American Airlines and Southwest Airlines officials announced leadership changes to help shape their companies heading into 2023 and beyond.

At American, the carrier revealed Devon May has been named Chief Financial Officer following a long-planned succession process. May, currently the airline's senior vice president of Finance and Investor Relations, will assume the CFO role effective January 1, 2023.

May will report to CEO Robert Isom. The airline's current CFO Derek Kerr will remain at the airline as Vice Chair, President of American Eagle and Strategic Advisor. Kerr will continue to lead American's Regional and Cargo teams and serve as a strategic advisor to the company.

"Devon is the perfect person to lead our finance organization going forward as we continue to focus on achieving sustained profitability and reducing debt," Isom said. "He is a world-class executive who has built a great team around him, and he has played a critical leadership role inside American for many years."

"This move follows a long-planned succession process, and the entire senior leadership team is looking forward to working alongside Devon even more closely in his new role," Isom continued.

At Southwest, the company announced two leadership promotions within its Internal Audit and Legal Departments, both effective immediately.

The carrier revealed Ted Gordon was promoted to Vice President of Internal Audit, where he will be responsible for leading Internal Audit functions. Gordon will provide strategic and tactical leadership of audit plan development; delivering assurance on the design and operating effectiveness of the company's governance, accounting, financial, operational, and IT controls.

In addition, Kevin Minchey was promoted to Vice President-Legal, Labor & Litigation from Associate General Counsel. In his new role, he will lead Labor and Employment, Labor Administration, Regulatory and Litigation functions in the Legal Department.

Minchey's work will include overseeing compliance with federal, state and local employment laws, collaborating with the Labor Administration team to administer collective bargaining agreements and managing the company's litigation docket.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, be sure to subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter here.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Donald Wood

Donald Wood

Managing Editor

Donald Wood is TravelPulse’s Managing Editor, bringing nearly 15 years of experience to the desk. He currently lives outside Philadelphia with his wife and two children.

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Fiesta Americana Travelty Collection, What Advisors Need to KnowThursday, August 6, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Stay ahead with the latest updates from Fiesta Americana Travelty Collection, featuring upscale...
Upcoming Webinar
Experiential and Adventure WebinarTuesday, August 11, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse in the virtual studios on August 11 for the...
Upcoming Webinar
New Orleans: Timeless Traditions & Nonstop CultureThursday, August 13, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Learn about New Orleans from the New Orleans experts. During the presentation, you'll hear about...
Upcoming Webinar
Fiesta Americana Travelty Collection, What Advisors Need to KnowThursday, August 6, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Stay ahead with the latest updates from Fiesta Americana Travelty Collection, featuring upscale...
Upcoming Webinar
Experiential and Adventure WebinarTuesday, August 11, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse in the virtual studios on August 11 for the...
Upcoming Webinar
New Orleans: Timeless Traditions & Nonstop CultureThursday, August 13, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Learn about New Orleans from the New Orleans experts. During the presentation, you'll hear about...