JetBlue CEO to Step Down as Airline Awaits Judge’s Ruling on Spirit Airlines Merger

Robin Hayes will step down as CEO of JetBlue Airways after about nine years at the helm, citing a doctor’s advice, as the company waits to find out whether a federal judge will block the merger with Spirit Airlines that he championed. 

Joanna Geraghty, a longtime JetBlue executive and the airline’s current president, will take his place as chief executive when Hayes steps down in February. She will become the only woman at the helm of a major U.S. airline. 

Robin Hayes will step down as CEO of JetBlue Airways after about nine years at the helm, citing a doctor’s advice, as the company waits to find out whether a federal judge will block the merger with Spirit Airlines that he championed. 

Joanna Geraghty, a longtime JetBlue executive and the airline’s current president, will take his place as chief executive when Hayes steps down in February. She will become the only woman at the helm of a major U.S. airline.