JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes will step down on Feb. 12 and be replaced by the airline's president, Joanna Geraghty.
With the change, Geraghty will be the first woman to rise to CEO of a mainline U.S. carrier.
Joanna Geraghty
Hayes said on Monday that the pressure of running JetBlue since early 2015 had taken a toll on his health and that he's retiring at the advice of his doctor.
The move comes during a pivotal period for JetBlue, which is awaiting a federal court's decision over whether it will be allowed to go forward with its planned acquisition of Spirit Airlines.
JetBlue has struggled in the past year, having reported a net loss of $207 million in the first three quarters of 2023, including an operating loss of 6.6% in the third quarter.
Hayes said he's confident that Geraghty, who has been JetBlue's president since 2018, is the right person to succeed him.
Robin Hayes
"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 crewmembers and customers," he said. "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."
In total, Geraghty has been with JetBlue for approximately 20 years in various executive roles.
JetBlue's board selected Geraghty to succeed Hayes in a unanimous vote.
"Joanna is a proven strategic leader and she is clearly the right person to carry JetBlue forward into this next chapter," board chair Peter Boneparth said.