Spirit Plans Sweeping C-Suite Overhaul

Long-time CEO Ted Christie is among those leaving the airline.

Spirit Airbus jets (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

[ Top Story ]April 7, 2025 8:56 am ET

By Ryan Ewing

Spirit announced on Monday that several top executives, including CEO Ted Christie, are departing the airline. This move comes as the airline emerged from Ch. 11 bankruptcy protection earlier this year.

Christie, who has been with Spirit for 13 years and served as president and CEO, is stepping down from his roles and leaving the company’s Board of Directors, effective immediately. The Board is currently searching for a permanent replacement, an SEC filing from the carrier stated.

In the interim, Spirit has established an Office of the President to lead the company. This office consists of three senior executives:

Fred Cromer, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
John Bendoraitis, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Thomas Canfield, Senior Vice President and General Counsel

Robert Milton, Spirit’s chairman, expressed gratitude for Christie’s leadership, adding in a news release: “Ted has seen a lot and done a lot during his tenure here, including navigating the Company through the COVID crisis and multiple strategic junctures, as well as most recently, a corporate restructuring.”

More Leadership Shake-Ups

The leadership changes extend beyond the CEO position. Matt Klein, executive vice president and chief commercial officer, is also leaving the airline. Klein will be succeeded by Rana Ghosh, who has been promoted to the same role.

Ghosh, who joined Spirit in 2015, previously served as senior vice president and chief transformation officer.

The ultra-low-cost carrier exited bankruptcy in February. Since then, it has been expanding its network, including several new and resuming routes.

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Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

Follow Ryan

Author

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.
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