DALLAS, Feb. 2, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) has appointed Grace D. Lieblein as a member of the Board. Lieblein most recently served as Vice President, Global Quality for General Motors (GM), and has more than 20 years of experience in senior executive positions in the Automotive Industry. For a photo of Lieblein, visit www.swamedia.com.
"Grace brings wide-ranging Leadership and operational experience to our Board of Directors," said Gary Kelly, Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer for Southwest Airlines. "Her long list of accolades, awards, and accomplishments is impressive, and she has earned a stellar reputation for being a team-builder, visionary, and passionate Servant Leader. We're thrilled to welcome Grace onboard!"
Lieblein retired as Vice President Global Quality of GM in 2015, after a career that spanned 37 years. Among the highlights, Lieblein was Chief Engineer for the very successful mid-size crossover vehicles, including the award-winning Buick Enclave. She was the first woman to be named as President and Managing Director of GM Mexico, and later served as President and Managing Director of GM Brazil. Prior to her Quality position, she was Vice President of Global Purchasing and Supply Chain for the company. Lieblein serves on the Board of Directors for Honeywell International, Inc., and has served on several non-profit boards.
She received her Masters of Business Administration degree at Michigan State University and a Bachelor of Science-Industrial Engineering degree at Kettering University.
Lieblein joins David W. Biegler; J. Veronica Biggins; Douglas H. Brooks; William H. Cunningham, PhD; John G. Denison; Thomas Gilligan, PhD; Gary C. Kelly; Nancy B. Loeffler; John T. Montford; and Ron Ricks as members of the Southwest Airlines Board of Directors.
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In its 45th year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) continues to differentiate itself from other air carriers with exemplary Customer Service delivered by more than 49,000 Employees to more than 100 million Customers annually. Southwest proudly operates a network of 97 destinations across the United States and seven additional countries with more than 3,900 departures a day during peak travel season.
Based on the U.S. Department of Transportation's most recent data, Southwest Airlines is the nation's largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded. The Company operates the largest fleet of Boeing aircraft in the world, the majority of which are equipped with satellite-based WiFi providing gate-to-gate connectivity. That connectivity enables Customers to use their personal devices to view video on-demand movies and television shows, as well as nearly 20 channels of free, live TV compliments of our valued Partners. Southwest created Transfarency℠, a philosophy which treats Customers honestly and fairly, and in which low fares actually stay low. Southwest is the only major U.S. airline to offer bags fly free® to everyone (first and second checked pieces of luggage, size and weight limits apply, some airlines may allow free checked bags on select routes or for qualified circumstances), and there are no change fees, though fare differences might apply. In 2014, the airline proudly unveiled a bold new look: Heart. The new aircraft livery, airport experience, and logo, showcase the dedication of Southwest Employees to connect Customers with what's important in their lives.
From its first flights on June 18, 1971, Southwest Airlines launched an era of unprecedented affordability in air travel described by the U.S. Department of Transportation as "The Southwest Effect," a lowering of fares and increase in passenger traffic whenever the carrier enters new markets. With 43 consecutive years of profitability, Southwest is one of the most honored airlines in the world, known for a triple bottom line approach that contributes to the carrier's performance and productivity, the importance of its People and the communities they serve, and an overall commitment to efficiency and the planet. The 2014 Southwest Airlines One Report™ can be found at SouthwestOneReport.com.
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SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co.