JetBlue Finalizes Leadership Changes

by Rich Thomaselli
Last updated: 10:55 AM ET, Fri April 19, 2024

It has been a topsy-turvy time for JetBlue Airways.

There was the failed merger with Spirit Airlines. Then, there was a change in the chief executive officer position. Now, more leadership changes have been announced.

“JetBlue’s leadership team is laser focused on our objectives of returning to profitability and driving improved reliability while bolstering the unique culture that sets us apart in the industry,” said Joanna Geraghty, JetBlue’s new CEO. “We’re happy to welcome Daniel Shurz to JetBlue and also to continue to strengthen our leadership team across commercial, finance and people to set our organization up for success into the next chapter.”

The new appointments include:

Daniel Shurz has been named JetBlue’s new head of revenue, network, and enterprise planning. Over the past 20 years Shurz has served as vice president, network planning for Air Canada and senior vice president, commercial, for Frontier Airlines, and held strategy and business development roles at both carriers. He will lead JetBlue’s network planning, airline partnerships, sales and revenue management, and enterprise planning teams which are critical elements of the company’s push for profitability and plans to strengthen its network positioning. Daniel will report to JetBlue’s president, Marty St. George.
Dave Clark has been named JetBlue’s new head of finance and strategy, responsible for financial planning and analysis, strategy and business development, as well as investor relations. He joined JetBlue in 2009 and most recently served as JetBlue’s head of revenue and planning. He will report to JetBlue’s chief financial officer, Ursula Hurley.
Shelly Griessel has been promoted to vice president, customer support. She joined JetBlue in 2022 and since then has served as managing director, customer support, responsible for JetBlue’s omnichannel management of all customer contacts. She will continue to report to Jayne O’Brien, JetBlue’s head of marketing and customer support.
Melinda Maher has been named vice president, treasurer and infrastructure. She has served as vice president, financial planning and analysis and structural cost since 2022. She previously served on JetBlue’s finance team from 2013-2016 before taking on leadership roles at Alaska Airlines and Amazon.
Katherine Celli has been named vice president, culture, talent management, and organizational effectiveness. In addition to bolstering JetBlue’s efforts around culture, Katherine will have oversight of talent management and organizational effectiveness. She will report to Tracy Lawlor, JetBlue’s interim chief people officer.