Skift Take

Gangwal’s appointment marks the end of a tense battle with activist investor Elliott, which had long been pushing for significant leadership changes at Southwest.

Meghna Maharishi

Southwest announced Monday that Rakesh Gangwal, a longtime airline executive and co-founder of Indian low-cost carrier IndiGo, would become independent board chair. 

Gangwal’s appointment comes after Southwest struck a truce with activist investor Elliott Investment Management, which had been pushing for a major leadership overhaul. As part of the agreement, Southwest said