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.
