Kathleen Wayton's Job Is To Keep LCC On Top

Southwest Airlines recently appointed Kathleen Wayton as Vice President Strategy and Change Leadership. In her new position, Wayton will be responsible for providing executive leadership and direction for the Dallas-based low-cost carrier's Strategy, Change Leadership, and Portfolio Management Teams.

"Kathleen's love for developing People, drive for results, her work ethic, and knack for boiling the complex down into the real "to-dos" has made her the perfect Leader for this group," said Bob Jordan, Executive Vice President Strategy and Planning. "Having worked closely with Kathleen over the last year as she built our Teams, I know that she will be great in her new Leadership role."

Wayton will lead the continued development and implementation of the Southwest's strategic plan. Additionally, she will drive companywide change and improvement projects; oversee the management of the Company's portfolio of investment opportunities; provide project management support; and support the development of the tools and processes to govern and manage strategy and project execution.

Wayton joined Southwest in 2004 as a Director in Technology, leading our Enterprise Data Team. She was then promoted to Senior Director over the Rapid Rewards and southwest.com Teams in Technology. Last April, she moved to the Strategic Planning Department as Senior Director.

"I look forward to continuing to work alongside the best Employees in the industry to provide strategic direction for Southwest Airlines," Wayton said. "This is one of the most exciting times in Southwest's history, and I'm honored to be a part of it."

Kathleen grew up in Odessa, TX and graduated from the University of North Texas with a BA in Marketing.

FMI: www.southwest.com/