IndiGo Co-founder Rakesh Gangwal Appointed to Southwest Airlines’ Board of Directors
- The Indian American billionaire businessman said he looks forward to supporting the company's strategic direction and building on its well-earned reputation in the industry.
Indian American billionaire businessman Rakesh Gangwal has been appointed to the board of directors of Southwest Airlines, effective July 7. He is co-founder of InterGlobe Aviation, the parent outfit of budget airline IndiGo, India’s largest by market share. The Miami resident owns close to 25% of the company and served as a board member.
Southwest Airlines notes that “Gangwal’s appointment continues the board’s deliberate efforts to evolve its composition to comprise professionals with a diverse range of skills and experience in areas critical to the airline’s business.”
In a statement, Gangwal said he has “long admired” Southwest Airlines and is “honored” to join the board. ”Together with the rest of the board, I look forward to supporting the company’s strategic direction and building on its well-earned reputation as one of the world’s most admired and respected airlines.”
Before co-founding IndiGo in 2006, Gangwal served as chairman, president, and chief executive officer of Worldspan Technologies, a provider of technology and information services to the travel and transportation industry.
Prior to his time at Worldspan, Gangwal served as president and chief executive officer of US Airways Group, and previously as its chief operating officer.He previously served in executive roles at Air France and United Airlines.
In addition to having served on the board of InterGlobe Aviation, Gangwal has also served on several other public company Boards, including US Airways Group, CarMax, Office Depot, OfficeMax, and PetSmart. He earned a Bachelor of Technology degree from the Indian Institute of Technology and a Master of Business Administration from The Wharton School at University of Pennsylvania.