Sorry Doesn't Cut It: JetBlue CEO Replaced Effective Immediately

Founder of JetBlue David “Mortified” Neeleman is no longer the CEO of his company, effective immediately. He’ll continue on as “non-executive chairman,” and play a “more strategic role.” Whatever that means.

The move comes after an embarrassing service meltdown that on Valentine’s Day that exposed JetBlue’s inability to cope with weather disruptions. A flood of negative PR followed, leading David to publicly apologize for the incident approximately 800 times. We guess it wasn’t enough. More recently, several JetBlue employees have been charged with credit card fraud. The employees (including Customer Service representatives) stole credit card numbers of JetBlue customers and went on a “spending spree” that included trips to Victoria’s Secret.

David will be replaced by Dave “Sorry Doesn’t Cut It” Barger, 49.

“The board suggested to David that he could best serve the company in a more strategic role. David agreed,” JetBlue spokeswoman Jenny Dervin said. “The conversation was initiated by the board.” —MEGHANN MARCO

JetBlue CEO pushed out [CNNMoney]

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