Joanna Geraghty becomes the first woman to lead a major U.S. airline

11-01-24

• The hitherto COO assumes the position following the resignation of Robin Hayes after nine years at the helm of the carrier

Low-cost airline JetBlue has announced a change of CEO following the resignation of Robin Hayes. The latter will be succeeded by Joanna Geraghty, who until now held the position of Chief Operating Officer of the company. Geraghty thus becomes the first woman to lead a major U.S. airline. She will take over effective February 12.

"It is bittersweet to retire from this airline that I love [...] For nearly 35 years, both at British Airways and here at JetBlue, I have loved working in this industry. However, the extraordinary challenges and pressure of the job have taken their toll and, on the advice of my doctor, it is time for me to focus more on my health and well-being," explained an emotional Hayes. "It has been a privilege to lead JetBlue for the past nine years and I am proud of all that we have accomplished," he concluded.