New Southwest Airlines CEO says he expects to make few changes

Renee C. Lee

Friday, April 6, 2001 | 10:55 a.m.

DALLAS -- Southwest Airlines' new chief executive, Jim Parker, won't be trading in his button-down shirt for a rhinestone-studded suit anytime soon.

Unlike Herb Kelleher, the man he will soon replace, "I don't look good in an Elvis suit," Parker said Thursday during a media day at the Dallas-based airlines' headquarters.

Parker, who takes over June 19, said he won't try to be another Kelleher, but will try to maintain the fun corporate environment Kelleher developed during 30 years at Southwest.

"All we can do is be ourselves," Parker said, also referring to Colleen Barrett, who will become president and chief operating officer.

Parker said he doesn't plan to make many changes to the carrier. The airline has done a good job of developing an experienced management team that has provided depth and stability, he said.

"The most important thing we can do is continue to develop strong leaders. We want to train and develop leaders to keep people motivated," Parker said.

Parker, 54, was named chief executive officer two weeks ago after Kelleher, the airline's co-founder and leader, resigned. Barrett, 56, was named president and chief operating officer, the first woman to hold that title at a major U.S. carrier.

Parker and Barrett were longtime associates of Kelleher, who will remain chairman of Dallas-based airline's board with a new three-year contract. Both worked at the same San Antonio law firm where Kelleher worked before leaving to run Southwest.

Parker joined Southwest in 1986 and was the airline's vice president and general counsel before becoming CEO. The airline is the No. 1 carrier in Las Vegas at McCarran International Airport.