Howard Putnam, Former CEO, Southwest Airlines

Howard’s ultimate objective is “bottom-line improvement.” He believes that business cultures that place emphasis on people as the utmost priority in determining their future find long-term impact and success. Putnam is the former CEO of the highly successful Southwest Airlines, the foundation and culture of which placed people first. When he was recruited to be the CEO of failing Braniff International, he was the first CEO to successfully restructure a major airline into, through, and out of Chapter 11 bankruptcy. His previous experience includes spending over 20 years with United Airlines, with his final position being Group Vice President of Marketing. Putnam has been an entrepreneur and has served as a director of several startup technology companies. He is an author, speaker, and advisor on business issues, change, leadership, and ethics. Putnam has an MBA in marketing from the University of Chicago and attended Harvard’s Advanced Management Program.