The British boss of US low-cost carrier JetBlue Airways is to step down next month, citing “extraordinary challenges and pressure” of the job.
Robin Hayes will be succeeded after nine years by Joanna Geraghty, the airline’s president and chief operating officer, as chief executive from February 12. She will become the first female chief executive of a major US airline.
Hayes (57) will serve as a strategic advisor to the company over the coming months. His departure comes amid efforts to seal a deal to acquire US budget rival Spirit Airlines for $3.8 billion, which is awaiting a court decision.
Prior to joining JetBlue in 2008 and becoming chief executive in 2015, Hayes was executive vice president for the Americas at British Airways.
He also served as area general manager for Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean in a 19-year career with BA.
Hayes, who studied at Bath university, said: “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.
“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.”
Hayes, who helped steer the carrier through the pandemic, launch its first transatlantic routes to London and other European hubs and forge the planned merger with Spirit, 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.
“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 crew members and customers.
“She 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.”
Peter Boneparth, chair of JetBlue’s board, said: “Robin guided the airline through significant change and innovation, caring for the unique JetBlue culture while also instilling a value creation mindset across the organisation and positioning us for sustainable future growth.
“We especially appreciate Robin’s willingness to continue to extend his tenure through the unprecedented challenges of the Covid crisis, and then again as we pursued our plan for the transformational Spirit acquisition.
“Joanna is a proven strategic leader and she is clearly the right person to carry JetBlue forward into this next chapter.
“The combination of her passion for the business, deep understanding of the airline, and commitment to creating value for shareholders, customers, and crew members provided the leadership we needed through times of unparalleled industry disruption. Together, she and Robin have worked to ensure the company is strong and well positioned for the future.”
Geraghty, who has worked for the airline for almost 20 years, added: “With a beloved brand, an industry-leading customer experience, a unique culture, and the industry’s best crew members, JetBlue has long been a disruptor.
“I’m excited to continue working with JetBlue’s 25,000 crew members who are as energised 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.”
Before joining JetBlue, she was a partner at the law firm Holland & Knight.
The imminent change at the top came as JetBlue reported “healthy” demand in December while operational performance during the holiday period remained strong.
Fourth quarter 2023 results are expected to be at the “better end” guidance ranges, based on preliminary results, with additional details due to be provided on an earnings call on January 30.