JetBlue Airways has announced that CEO Robin Hayes will step down from his role effective February 12, 2024.
The company's current president and chief operating officer Joanna Geraghty will succeed Hayes, becoming the first woman to lead a major U.S. carrier.
The 57-year-old Hayes said the decision to step down was made for health reasons. The announcement comes as JetBlue awaits a federal judge's decision as to whether it can move forward with its proposed $3.8 billion acquisition of Spirit Airlines after the Justice Department sued to block the deal.
Hayes will continue to serve on the company’s board of directors until next month, at which point Geraghty will join the board. Hayes will also serve as a strategic advisor to JetBlue over the coming months, the airline announced.
Joanna Geraghty, JetBlue President and COO (Photo via JetBlue Airways)
"It’s bittersweet to retire from this airline I love, but I will always feel a part of the JetBlue team and be rooting for its continued success. For nearly 35 years – both at British Airways and here at JetBlue – I’ve loved working in this industry," Hayes said in a statement.
"However, the extraordinary challenges and pressure of this job have taken their toll, and on the advice of my doctor and after talking to my wife, it’s time I put more focus on my health and well-being. I am deeply grateful for these many exciting years and I feel very lucky to have worked at an airline with a brand, culture, and team that are simply unlike any other in the world," he added.
"It has been a privilege to lead JetBlue for the past nine years, and I am proud of all we have accomplished. With a rigorous succession plan in place, the board and I are confident that Joanna is more than ready given her critical role in running JetBlue's day-to-day business and positioning the airline for success," said Hayes. "She guided the operation through the most turbulent time in airline history, has overseen the development and execution of new commercial initiatives, and has tirelessly worked to make JetBlue a better place for our crewmembers and customers.
Hayes went on to say that Geraghty "has been actively engaged in our integration planning with respect to our proposed Spirit transaction. In addition, Joanna and the team have developed a strong plan for JetBlue as we work to return to profitability. For all these reasons, I know the airline is well equipped to continue driving progress and I can pass the baton with confidence knowing she is the right leader at the right time for our airline."
In a statement of her own, Geraghty said she is "honored and excited to serve as the next CEO of JetBlue. With a beloved brand, an industry-leading customer experience, a unique culture, and the industry’s best crewmembers, JetBlue has long been a disruptor. I’m excited to continue working with JetBlue’s 25,000 crewmembers who are as energized as I am about challenging the status quo and bringing humanity to an industry long dominated by the legacy carriers."
"I’m so proud of what we’ve accomplished over the last 20-plus years, and I am looking forward to building on this momentum as we execute on our strategic initiatives, return to profitable growth, and generate sustainable value for our shareholders and all our stakeholders," she added.
Hayes has spent more than three decades in the airline industry, previously working for British Airways. Meanwhile, Geraghty has spent nearly 20 years with JetBlue, serving in multiple roles.
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