Spirit Airlines names next CEO
Spirit Airlines has announced succession plans a year in advance, as chief executive officer Robert Fornaro says he will step down in 2019.
Fornaro, 64 will be replaced on January 1. 2019 by current CFO Ted Christie, the low cost carrier said.
To ease the transition, Christie will be made president of the airline and joins the board in the New Year.
"Over the past two years as CEO, Bob has led a real transformation at Spirit, driving dramatic improvements in operational reliability and in the customer experience while strengthening our executive team," said Spirit chairman Mac Gardner.
"He has also provided nimble, experienced leadership through a volatile competitive environment."
Fornaro had prioritized its poor on-time performance and much derided customer service when he took over in 2015.
Spirit’s punctuality performance rose dramatically in October, ranked third best of the major 12 US airlines.
Fornaro previously led led AirTran Airways before its merger with Southwest Airlines.
Christie, 47, served in management roles at Pinnacle Airlines and Frontier Airlines before joining Spirit in 2012.
"With our improved operations, balanced growth and stable costs, I’m confident we will strengthen our position as the leading ultra low cost carrier in the Americas," Christie said.
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