Gary C. Kelly has been at the helm of Southwest Airlines since July 2004, leading the company through some significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his leadership, the airline achieved the longest streak of profitability in the industry, even...

Gary C. Kelly has been at the helm of Southwest Airlines since July 2004, leading the company through some significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his leadership, the airline achieved the longest streak of profitability in the industry, even being named the #1 U.S. airline by the Wall Street Journal in 2020. Before becoming CEO, he served as the CFO and has been with Southwest since 1986, starting as its Controller. He has a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from the University of Texas at Austin. In terms of his compensation, in 2023 his total salary was about $922,000, mainly due to base salary and other benefits, including travel perks on Southwest flights. Gary has been a major player in increasing the company's revenue streams by adding services to new destinations. His trading history shows substantial insider trading activity, with almost $51 million in stock on record for 2019, which shows his confidence in the company’s future. Gary’s approach emphasizes operational integrity and financial success, aligning with the interests of shareholders. With over 20 years of experience in various executive roles, he continues to shape the future of Southwest Airlines.