Herb Kelleher

Herbert David Kelleher (1931 to 2019) was an American airline businessman and lawyer who co-founded Southwest Airlines and later served as its chief executive and chairman emeritus until his death. Born in Camden, New Jersey, he studied at Wesleyan University and New York University School of Law, then moved to Texas, where he practiced law. With his client Rollin King and the banker John Parker he developed the concept of a low-cost carrier connecting the Texas Triangle, which was incorporated in 1967 and began flying in June 1971 after four years of legal challenges from competitors. He became chairman in 1978, was temporary chief executive that year and became full-time chief executive and president in 1981, holding those posts for twenty years. Under him the airline offered low fares, flew a single aircraft type, favored point-to-point routes and used secondary airports. He stepped down as chairman in 2008 and received more than one hundred awards.