Laura Wright

Laura Wright, who replaced Gary Kelly as chief financial officer in 2004 when Kelly took over as chief executive officer at Southwest Airlines, plans to retire as of Sept. 20 2012. Wright. a 22-year Southwest employee, will be succeeded as CFO and senior vice president of finance by Tammy Romo, currently Southwest’s senior vice president of planning. Senior Vice President Finance and Chief Financial Officer of Southwest Airlines Co. since July 15, 2004. Previous positions at Southwest: Vice President Finance and Treasurer (June 19, 2001-July 15, 2004); Treasurer (September 1, 1998-June 18, 2001); Assistant Treasurer (May 1995 to September 1998); Director Corporate Finance (October 1990 to May 1995); and Director Corporate Taxation (January 1988 to October 1990). Prior to joining Southwest, was a Tax Manager with Arthur Young & Company in Dallas, Texas.