Southwest Airlines has announced its senior vice president of finance and chief financial officer, Laura Wright, has advised the company of her decision to retire.

Gary Kelly, Southwest’s chairman, president, and chief executive, said the decision was accepted with profound gratitude for her many significant contributions to the success of Southwest over the course of the last 25 years:

“Laura has played a key role in the strong financial positioning of Southwest Airlines during the most challenging and difficult times our industry has ever faced,” he said.

“She has been a leader who is respected throughout our Company, our industry, and the financial community.”

Under Wright’s leadership, Southwest has maintained the strongest balance sheet in the American airline industry; the best fuel hedging position in our industry; and an award-winning aircraft financing strategy.

Kelly also announced that Tammy Romo has been named to succeed Wright as senior vice president of finance and chief financial officer.

Romo has been serving Southwest as senior vice president of planning.

She joined Southwest in 1991 as manager of financial reporting and has previously served as director of investor relations, vice president - treasurer, vice president - controller, and vice president of financial planning.

Prior to joining Southwest, Romo was an audit manager at Coopers & Lybrand.

“We are fortunate to have a deep and knowledgeable leadership bench,” Kelly said.

“Tammy is an excellent choice based on her strong accounting and technical background, outstanding strategic planning capabilities, and deep knowledge of our Company and overall corporate finance strategy.”

The leadership changes will be effective from September 20th, 2012.

Wright will remain with the company through yearend to assist with the transition.