Spirit Names New CEO

Spirit Airlines has named Dave Davis as its new president and CEO. Davis, who most recently was president and CFO of Sun Country Airlines, replaces Ted Christie, who stepped down from the head job at Spirit 10 days ago. Davis officially begins his new role April 21.

"We're excited to welcome Dave as Spirit's new president and CEO," said Spirit chair Robert Milton, lead director of Air Lease Corp. "He brings with him a wealth of experience and a solid track record of accomplishments from his many years in the airline industry. Dave's background at both Northwest Airlines and, more recently, at Sun Country Airlines, positions him well to lead Spirit's continued transformation."

The leadership change comes just after the beleaguered airline emerged from bankruptcy protection in March; Spirit had filed for Chapter 11 last November. Along with Christie, former executive vice president and chief commercial officer Matt Klein stepped down this month, and was succeeded by Rana Ghosh, who took over the role of senior vice president and CCO. Ghosh, who has been with Spirit since 2015, previously was senior vice president and chief transformation officer.

Three executives will continue to lead the company jointly until April 21: Fred Cromer, executive vice president and CFO; John Bendoraitis, executive vice president and COO; and Thomas Canfield, senior vice president and general counsel.

Taking over Spirit's 11,000-member team

"I am thrilled to join Spirit at this critical time in the company's history," said Davis. "I look forward to working with the more than 11,000 Spirit team members to deliver value for our guests, shareholders and the communities that we serve." 

The board named two additional new executives today, as well: Former Air Canada executive Duncan Dee joins as senior vice president of corporate communications; and airline industry veteran Trey Urbahn will serve as senior commercial advisor, helping to guide all of the airline's commercial initiatives, including network, pricing, yield management and onboard configurations.

Spirit recently rebuffed an acquisition offer from Frontier Airlines, shortly before emerging from bankruptcy protection. Two years ago the airline turned down an offer from Frontier in favor of a proposed merger with JetBlue, a deal that eventually was quashed by the Department of Justice. The carrier has, of course, continued to operate throughout the drama of the past couple of years. 

"The board would also like to express its gratitude to Spirit's frontline team members, whose commitment to our guests, the company and safety has never wavered," Milton concluded.