The chief govt of JetBlue Airways, Robin Hayes, mentioned on Monday that he deliberate to step down after 9 years within the function and whereas in the midst of making an attempt to hold out a merger with Spirit Airways that would reshape the trade, if it isn’t blocked in courtroom.
Mr. Hayes shall be changed by Joanna Geraghty, the corporate’s president and chief working officer, on Feb. 12, which might make her the one lady to guide a serious U.S. airline. Mr. Hayes, 57, will stay on JetBlue’s board and function a strategic adviser to the corporate.
In a prolonged assertion, Mr. Hayes described the choice to retire as “bittersweet” and recommended that unspecified well being issues had pushed it.
“The extraordinary challenges and strain of this job have taken their toll, and on the recommendation of my physician and after speaking to my spouse, it’s time I put extra give attention to my well being and well-being,” he mentioned. “I’m deeply grateful for these many thrilling years, and I really feel very fortunate to have labored at an airline with a model, tradition and staff which are merely in contrast to every other on this planet.”
JetBlue introduced plans in 2022 to purchase Spirit for $3.8 billion. The Justice Division sued final 12 months to stop the deal, and the federal trial in that lawsuit concluded final month. The presiding choose has not but issued a ruling, which may enable the deal, require that JetBlue and Spirit make some concessions, or stop the merger altogether.
Mr. Hayes joined JetBlue in 2008 from British Airways. He turned the chief govt in February 2015. The corporate mentioned in a securities submitting that Mr. Hayes notified the board on Sunday of his intention to step down, with the board voting to approve the appointment of Ms. Geraghty, 51, the identical day.
In a message to staff, Mr. Hayes mentioned he had been enthusiastic about stepping down for some time.
“This resolution to retire was a troublesome and deeply private one, and I’ve been placing it off for a while — first when Covid threatened our future and once more after we had the chance to accumulate Spirit,” he mentioned.