Southwest Airlines Appoints Doug Brooks as Board Chair

Elliott Management has expressed confidence in Southwest Airlines' direction, citing the appointment of Doug Brooks as the new independent Chair of the Board, effective August 1, 2025. Brooks replaces Rakesh Gangwal, who is stepping down due to additional time commitments. The appointment follows Elliott's recent involvement in Southwest's affairs, including the sale of its stake in AirTran Airways.

Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) has appointed Doug Brooks as its new independent chairman of the board, effective August 1, 2025. The appointment follows Rakesh Gangwal's decision to step down from his role as chair due to additional time commitments unrelated to Southwest. Brooks will replace Gangwal, who will continue to serve on the Finance Committee and the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee, but will now chair a new Fleet Oversight Committee to assist the board in overseeing aircraft fleet acquisition strategies [2].

This appointment is part of a series of leadership changes at Southwest, driven by the influence of activist investor Elliott Investment Management. In October 2024, Southwest appointed five new directors to its board as part of a settlement with Elliott [1]. Elliott has expressed confidence in Southwest's trajectory and acknowledged the transformational period the company is undergoing, including significant changes to its business model [3].

Under Brooks' leadership, Southwest aims to improve profitability by discontinuing policies such as open boarding and its 'two bags fly free' offer. These changes are part of a broader strategy to enhance the company's long-term value creation [1]. The appointment of Brooks as independent chairman reflects Elliott's commitment to constructive engagement with Southwest as it navigates its transformation [3].

References:
[1] https://skift.com/2025/07/31/southwest-airlines-appoints-new-independent-chairman-in-latest-board-shakeup/
[2] https://seekingalpha.com/news/4476262-southwest-names-doug-brooks-as-board-chairperson-forms-new-fleet-oversight-committee
[3] https://www.stocktitan.net/news/LUV/elliott-statement-on-southwest-governance-ydwi1uwxoijs.html