JetBlue taps new president

JetBlue Airlines announced the appointment of a new president this week, tapping its current Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Robyn Hayes for the post.

Hayes is taking over the helm of the airline from Dave Berger, who had been simultaneously serving as president and chief operating officer of the company.

JetBlue said Berger would stay on as CEO, but Hayes would take over as president on January 1, 2014.

{mosads}”JetBlue will soon enter its 15th year, very well positioned in an incredibly challenging business,” Barger said in a statement about Hayes’ appointment. “Robin’s expertise and global airline experience will help JetBlue continue to strengthen and evolve our business. In addition, Robin’s values are a great match for JetBlue’s enviable culture, which is the foundation of our success.”

Hayes has been with JetBlue since 2008. Prior to coming to the airline, she worked for British Airways, serving as that company’s Executive Vice President for The Americas.

Hayes said she was excited to assume the new position.

“I am honored to serve JetBlue’s crewmembers, customers and investors in this role,” Mr. Hayes said. “My focus will be to ensure JetBlue grows profitably and sustainably by disrupting the industry and remaining true to our mission to inspire humanity. As a challenger brand in an otherwise commodity business, what differentiates JetBlue is our values-driven culture with crewmembers for whom service is part of their DNA.”