Barger will step down from leadership of JetBlue early next year

JetBlue Airways has confirmed that Robin Hayes, the company’s current president, will succeed Dave Barger as chief executive officer, effective February 16th, 2015.

Barger will serve on the JetBlue Board of directors until February 15th, 2015, and Hayes is expected to join the board on February 16th, 2015.

JetBlue chairman Joel Peterson explained: “On behalf of the board of directors, I would like to congratulate Robin on this appointment and thank Dave for his extraordinary contributions to JetBlue for more than 16 years.

“Dave’s talent, intellect, and inspired leadership helped make JetBlue what it is today—one of the world’s great brands and a leader in its industry.

“Robin is a highly talented and experienced airline executive who understands JetBlue’s culture and strategy.

“During his time as chief commercial officer and president, Robin proved he is the right leader to take JetBlue into the future.”

Hayes was named president of JetBlue in 2013.

He is responsible for the airline’s operations and commercial activities.

Barger said: “Helping to found and lead JetBlue has been the experience of a lifetime.

“We set out to create a better airline, and through our commitment to that simple goal, the people of JetBlue succeeded in establishing a new standard for value and customer service in our industry.

“I have been looking for the right time to take the next step in my life for a while, and my decision was ultimately determined by the strong state of the company and my absolute confidence in Robin’s leadership.

“I want to thank Robin and all of our crewmembers.

“With their incredible passion and dedication, I know that JetBlue’s best days are ahead.”

Prior to joining JetBlue, Hayes was British Airways executive vice president for the Americas.

Over the span of a 19-year career with British Airways, he also served as area general manager for Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean.

Hayes said: “It is a tremendous honour to succeed Dave as chief executive of JetBlue.

“I continue to believe in our mission to inspire humanity, and as chief executive I will be a faithful steward of the culture that has made JetBlue so successful.

“The airline industry has never been more competitive, but I believe we can continue to grow profitably.

“As we maintain our operational focus on safety and efficiency, we will continue to expand our network in underserved markets and roll out new products that enhance the JetBlue Experience and create value for our shareholders.

“Our commitments to our customers, crewmembers, and investors are all integrally connected and critically important to the long-term future of this great company.”