Southwest Airlines Co. announced the appointment of Doug Brooks as the new independent Chair of the Board, effective August 1, 2025. This appointment follows Rakesh Gangwal's decision to step down from his role as Chair, effective August 1, 2025, due to additional time commitments unrelated to Southwest. Brooks has served as a Director of the Company since 2010.
He formerly served as Chairman, President, and CEO of Brinker International Inc. ("Brinker"), a multinational portfolio of restaurants. Brooks also served in other executive capacities for Brinker, including as its Chief Operating Officer and as President of Chili's Grill & Bar. In his tenure at Brinker, Brooks led the company's portfolio optimization efforts through the sale of its interests in multiple restaurant brands to focus its efforts on its two core restaurant assets.
Brooks has also served as a director of multiple public companies, including AutoZone Inc., which delivered a total shareholder return of over 450% over his tenure. Brooks also serves on the Professional Advisory Board of St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.
