Who Was Herb Kelleher
Herbert David Kelleher was an American lawyer and business executive. He cofounded Southwest Airlines in 1967 with Rollin King. Under his leadership, Southwest became one of the largest and most profitable airlines in the world.
His Role at Southwest Airlines
Kelleher served as general counsel, then president, and later as CEO and chairman. He helped build a low-cost model focused on short routes, point-to-point service, and high aircraft utilization. His management style emphasized employee culture and fun, which became central to the airline’s brand.
Legacy and Recognition
Kelleher is widely credited with popularizing low-cost air travel in the United States. He received numerous industry awards and was inducted into the Aviation Hall of Fame. His approach to corporate leadership is still studied in business and finance contexts.
For more background on Southwest Airlines and its history, see About Southwest Airlines.
