Following a challenging year for the budget airline, Spirit Airlines has announced a major leadership reshuffle. CEO Ted Christie has stepped down from both the company and the Board of Directors, effective immediately.
Spirit announced that until a new CEO is appointed, an interim team will lead the company. The executive team includes Fred Cromer, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; John Bendoraitis, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer; and Thomas Canfield, Senior Vice President and General Counsel.
Christie served on the executive team at Spirit for 13 years, and stepped into the role of CEO in 2019. “He 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. Ted has kept the company together through challenging times, and for this we wish him all the best going forward,” said Robert Milton, Chairman.
Matt Klein, the company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, will also step down and will be succeeded by Rana Ghosh, who will take over as Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, effective immediately.
Last month, Spirit, which filed for Chapter 11, emerged from bankruptcy protection and is undergoing financial restructuring. As part of this process, the company has so far received a $350 million equity investment from existing investors.
By CEO NA Editorial Staff
