15 Facts About Herb Kelleher

Herbert David Kelleher was an American billionaire airline businessman and lawyer.

Herb Kelleher was the co-founder, later CEO, and chairman emeritus of Southwest Airlines until his death in 2019.

Herb Kelleher earned a bachelor's degree from Wesleyan University where he was an Olin Scholar and where his major was English and his minor philosophy, and a Juris Doctor from New York University School of Law where he was a Root-Tilden Scholar.

Herb Kelleher he founded and built has consistently been named among the most admired companies in America in Fortune magazine's annual poll.

Herb Kelleher's culture-leadership was well-demonstrated in an arm-wrestling event in March 1992.

Herb Kelleher lost the match, but was allowed to use the slogan in exchange for a $5,000 charitable donation and conceding Stevens' legal claim to the slogan.

In March 2001, Herb Kelleher stepped down as CEO and president of Southwest.

Herb Kelleher passed the CEO role onto James Parker and the president role to Colleen Barrett, although he remained chairman.

Herb Kelleher ultimately stepped down as chairman on May 21,2008.

Herb Kelleher was given the title of chairman emeritus with an office at Southwest Airlines headquarters and he remained connected to the company until his death in 2019.

In July 2010, Herb Kelleher was appointed chair of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas board of directors for 2011.

Herb Kelleher was the recipient of over 100 awards and honors in the worlds of business and aviation during his life.

Herb Kelleher was known for getting little sleep and for his affinity for Wild Turkey bourbon and cigarettes.

Herb Kelleher was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1999, and underwent radiation therapy.

Herb Kelleher died on January 3,2019, in Dallas at the age of 87.