Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) announced the upcoming retirement of two senior executives who have shaped the company’s trajectory for over three decades.
Executive Vice President & CFO Tammy Romo and Chief Administration Officer Linda Rutherford will step down from their positions on April 1, 2025. This marks the end of an era for the airline’s leadership team.
Southwest Airlines’ President, CEO, and Vice Chairman Bob Jordan expressed his gratitude for their service. “Tammy and Linda have guided our organization with vision, integrity, and unwavering excellence for more than 30 years.”
“They’ve steered the company through challenging and prosperous times, significantly impacting many of our greatest accomplishments. Their influence will continue to shape Southwest’s future long after their departure.”
Tammi Romo
Tammi Romo’s journey at Southwest began in 1991, where she served in various crucial leadership positions over her 33-year tenure.
These roles included Head of Investor Relations, Controller, Treasurer, and Senior Vice President Planning.
After her promotion to Executive Vice President & CFO in 2012, she took charge of the airline’s comprehensive financial operations. This includes Supply Chain Management, Corporate Strategy, Fuel Strategy & Management, Fleet Strategy & Management, and Environmental Sustainability initiatives.
Throughout her distinguished career, Romo accumulated numerous prestigious accolades. WomenInc. recognized her as a Most Influential Corporate Director in 2023, while D CEO Magazine named her Outstanding CFO for a Public Company twice, in both 2022 and 2014.
She received Dallas Business Journal’s CFO of the Year award in 2014 and consistently earned recognition on Institutional Investor’s All-America Executive Team for Airlines.
Beyond her corporate achievements, Romo maintains active involvement in academic leadership as a Lifetime member of the McCombs School Advisory Council and an Emeritus member of the Accounting Advisory Council.
The airline has launched a comprehensive search for Romo’s successor to ensure a smooth transition of leadership.
Linda Rutherford
Linda Rutherford’s journey with Southwest began in 1992 when she joined as a Public Relations Coordinator after establishing herself as a news journalist.
Throughout her tenure at Southwest, she has been instrumental in shaping the company’s communications strategy, serving as Chief Communications Officer for seven years before ascending to her current role as Chief Administration Officer.
In this capacity, Rutherford oversees several critical departments, including Culture & Communications, Internal Audit, People, Talent & Leadership, Total Rewards, Technology, and Southwest University.
Rutherford’s professional excellence has been widely recognized through numerous honors, including the 2023 PRWeek Women of Distinction award, the prestigious 2023 Missouri Honor Medal, and the 2022 Institute of Public Relations Lifetime Achievement Award.
Her legacy is further cemented through her induction into multiple halls of fame, including PR News Measurement, PR News Public Relations, and the Texas Tech University College of Media & Communications.
