Robert L. Fornaro has been navigating the aviation industry for decades. He became the CEO of Spirit Airlines in January 2016, after serving as President of a travel advisory firm and holding top positions at AirTran Airways. Fornaro graduated with...

Robert L. Fornaro has been navigating the aviation industry for decades. He became the CEO of Spirit Airlines in January 2016, after serving as President of a travel advisory firm and holding top positions at AirTran Airways. Fornaro graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and was elected to Spirit Airlines' Board of Directors in 2014. Under his leadership, the company made significant strides, including a total compensation of over $3 million in 2022, showcasing performance-based rewards that motivated the executive team. Interestingly, his prior experience at AirTran, where he started as CFO and ascended to CEO before its acquisition by Southwest Airlines, provides him with a unique perspective on managing an airline. In addition to his role at Spirit, he has been involved in strategic decisions that impacted customer satisfaction and operational efficiency, which are critical in the competitive airline market.