Honoring Herb Kelleher

Herb Kelleher

Maverick, Friend, and Founder of Southwest Airlines

1931-2019

There is one thing that has defined Southwest as a Company since day one: Heart. There is no doubt that Herb was at the center of that Heart, filling it with his friendly management style, love of parties, and publicity stunts. By creating a fun and rewarding workplace, Herb was largely responsible for Southwest’s myriad of awards and recognitions; Fortune magazine named Southwest the Best Place to Work in America in 1998. His love for business was as big as his love for life. Herb led Southwest Airlines, first as the Company’s Cofounder and legal counsel from 1966 to 1982, then as President, CEO, and Chairman from 1982 to 2001. During his tenure, Herb Kelleher produced the highest return to shareholders of any company in the S&P 500. In 2001, at the age of 70, Kelleher retired from his positions as President and CEO, and continued to serve as Chairman until 2008. Herb will always be a part of the Southwest family. He will be remembered for his leadership, laughter, and above all, his Heart.Read more

Our favorite memories

A young Herb Kelleher in Haddon Heights, New Jersey. Born on March 12, 1931, Herb was the youngest of four children born to Harry and Ruth Kelleher.

Herb as a law student at New York University, earning his Juris Doctor in 1955. He also attended Wesleyan University, where he completed a degree in English and philosophy.

Herb dedicating The Spirit of Kitty Hawk on December 17, 1984. Herb negotiated a deal with Boeing for Southwest to become the launch customer for a redesigned variant of the already successful 737, building the relationship between the two companies that led to Southwest becoming the world's largest operator of the legendary airliner.

Herb as featured in The Dallas Morning News in January 1992. The Sunday magazine feature highlighted Southwest Airlines and its role in keeping Love Field opened throughout countless legal battles.

Although Herb originally hailed from New Jersey, he embraced his role as a Texas attorney and businessman after moving to the Lone Star State in 1961.

In March 1992, Herb challenged Kurt Herwald of Stevens Aviation to an arm wrestling match to settle a dispute over the slogan Just Plane Smart. Rather than engage in a costly court battle with no clear winner, the two leaders settled their differences while also raising over $10,000 for charitable causes.

Herb onboard one of his LUV Jets shortly after assuming the role of Chief Executive Officer on a permanent basis in late 1981. He had also served as Executive Chairman starting in 1978 and as a Director since incorporating Air Southwest on March 15, 1967.

Showing off his Fun-LUVing Attitude, Herb sits in the engine of a Southwest 737-300 in early 1992.

Early in his legal career, Herb clerked for Associate Justice William A. Wachenfeld of the New Jersey Supreme Court. He went on to successfully argue many cases as a lawyer, several of which eventually reached the United States Supreme Court.

Herb dresses as Elvis at Love Field in 1989. The iconic image titled Herbie Goes Bananas originally appeared on the cover of Texas Monthly in April 1989. The article went on to state Believe it or not, this man is CEO of a company that changed Texas forever.

Herb hanging from a pitot tube on the tail of a 737 in 1990. It was important to Herb to remain close to the operation at Southwest, occasionally taking an extremely up-close look!

Herb, along with Colleen Barrett, who joined him as his legal secretary in 1968. Colleen served alongside Herb through his career at Southwest Airlines, becoming President in 2001, following his retirement from the role.

Herb rides his customized Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail motorcycle from the 1994 Chili Cookoff, a gift he received from the Pilots of Southwest Airlines.

Once again showcasing his inner daredevil, Herb embraces his lighter side as he pretends to deplane a tad bit early. Under Herb's leadership, maintaining an ontime schedule became a hallmark of Southwest Airlines.

Herb Kelleher in November 2013 while addressing Employees with Gary Kelly. In the spirited conversation, the two Leaders went on to discuss their memories of the Company and vision for the future.

Herb Kelleher and Gary Kelly sitting in Southwest Airlines seats

A note from Gary KellyCEO and Chairman of Southwest Airlines

Herb is a lifelong mentor and friend, and one of the greatest joys of my life has been working alongside Herb for nearly 30 years. His stamp on the airline industry cannot be overstated .…

Herb Kelleher laughing, wearing Captain's hat

His vision for making air travel affordable for all revolutionized the industry, and you can still see that transformation taking place today. But his legacy extends far beyond our industry and far beyond the world of entrepreneurship .…

Herb Kelleher holding a large bunch of Southwest Airlines balloons

His true impact can only be accurately measured by the hearts and minds of the People who he inspired, motivated, and engaged on a daily basis .…

And that, I believe, cannot be measured or quantified—it is simply to be admired and appreciated by all who have been fortunate enough to experience it. I consider myself blessed to be one of those People.

—Gary Kelly

Letter from Colleen C. Barrett

I know everyone reading this will believe he/she was Herb Kelleher’s best friend because everyone who knew him thought that, and Herb pretty much confirmed it with his humongous hugs, strong embraces, and overwhelming smiles with whomever he encountered. He was capable of treating everyone from three to 103 as though they were the most important person in his life, and that was absolutely the truth as each individual encounter took place. He was, by far, the smartest, kindest, most brilliant teacher, mentor, problem solver, whom I have ever known; and he had the best sense of humor as well as the ability to be the most serious person in the world when that was needed. To say that he was admired, respected, cherished, and ‘LUVed’ as well as ‘loved’ by me, would, indeed be an understatement; but it would be the absolute truth to say that he was my best friend for which I will be forever grateful.

—President Emeritus Colleen C. Barrett

A Letter from Colleen C. Barrett

I know everyone reading this will believe he/she was Herb Kelleher’s best friend because everyone who knew him thought that, and Herb pretty much confirmed it with his humongous hugs, strong embraces, and overwhelming smiles with whomever he encountered. He was capable of treating everyone from three to 103 as though they were the most important person in his life, and that was absolutely the truth as each individual encounter took place. He was, by far, the smartest, kindest, most brilliant teacher, mentor, problem solver, whom I have ever known; and he had the best sense of humor as well as the ability to be the most serious person in the world when that was needed. To say that he was admired, respected, cherished, and ‘LUVed’ as well as ‘loved’ by me, would, indeed be an understatement; but it would be the absolute truth to say that he was my best friend for which I will be forever grateful.

—President Emeritus Colleen C. Barrett