Southwest Airlines appoints Grace D. Lieblein to its Board Of Directors

DALLAS, TX – The Board of Directors of Southwest Airlines has appointed Grace D. Lieblein as a member of the Board. Lieblein most recently served as Vice President, Global Quality for General Motors (GM), and has more than 20 years of experience in senior executive positions in the Automotive Industry.

“Grace brings wide-ranging Leadership and operational experience to our Board of Directors,” said Gary Kelly, Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer for Southwest Airlines. “Her long list of accolades, awards, and accomplishments is impressive, and she has earned a stellar reputation for being a team-builder, visionary, and passionate Servant Leader. We’re thrilled to welcome Grace onboard!”

Lieblein retired as Vice President Global Quality of GM in 2015, after a career that spanned 37 years. Among the highlights, Lieblein was Chief Engineer for the very successful mid-size crossover vehicles, including the award-winning Buick Enclave. She was the first woman to be named as President and Managing Director of GM Mexico, and later served as President and Managing Director of GM Brazil. Prior to her Quality position, she was Vice President of Global Purchasing and Supply Chain for the company. Lieblein serves on the Board of Directors for Honeywell International, Inc., and has served on several non-profit boards.

She received her Masters of Business Administration degree at Michigan State University and a Bachelor of Science-Industrial Engineering degree at Kettering University.

Lieblein joins David W. Biegler; J. Veronica Biggins; Douglas H. Brooks; William H. Cunningham, PhD; John G. Denison; Thomas Gilligan, PhD; Gary C. Kelly; Nancy B. Loeffler; John T. Montford; and Ron Ricks as members of the Southwest Airlines Board of Directors.