Southwest Airlines Announces Leadership Promotions

Dec. 15, 2022
Ted Gordon was promoted to Vice President Internal Audit and Kevin Minchey was promoted to Vice President—Legal, Labor & Litigation.

Southwest Airlines Co. announced Dec. 12 two Leadership promotions within its Internal Audit and Legal Departments, both effective immediately.

Internal Audit

Ted Gordon was promoted to Vice President Internal Audit where he will be responsible for leading Internal Audit functions. Gordon will provide strategic and tactical leadership of audit plan development; delivering assurance on the design and operating effectiveness of the Company's governance, accounting, financial, operational, and IT controls. Gordon was most recently a Director within the airline's Network Planning Team and has held leadership positions within the Finance and Internal Audit departments.

Gordon joined Southwest Airlines® in 2005. He is a Certified Public Accountant and holds bachelor's and master's degrees in accounting from the University of Missouri.

"Throughout his career, Ted has displayed a knack for streamlining processes, finding efficiencies, and developing practical solutions to support Southwest's continued growth," said Linda Rutherford, Southwest Airlines' Chief Administration and Communications Officer. "We are immensely proud of Ted's accomplishments and are thrilled to promote him into his new role."

Gordon moves into the position held previously by Colleen Russell who stepped down from her office role this month. She will continue to serve the Company as an Executive Advisor until June 30, 2023.

Labor & Litigation

Kevin Minchey was promoted to Vice President—Legal, Labor & Litigation from Associate General Counsel. In his new role, he will lead Labor and Employment, Labor Administration, Regulatory, and Litigation functions in the Legal Department. His work will include overseeing compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, collaborating with the Labor Administration team to administer collective bargaining agreements, and managing the Company's litigation docket. His team will also continue to support our Operations Department on regulatory matters. Prior to joining Southwest in 2011, he practiced law in Phoenix and clerked for a federal judge in Michigan.

"Kevin's passion for serving the People of Southwest Airlines makes him a perfect fit as he takes on his new role," said Mark Shaw, Executive Vice President and Chief Legal & Regulatory Officer. "We are excited for Kevin as he continues advocating for the more than 65,000 Southwest Employees across our expansive network."

Minchey holds a bachelor's degree in Spanish from Utah State University and a law degree from Thomas Jefferson School of Law.