After dedicating 25 years to Southwest Airlines, Dave Harvey recently made an announcement on LinkedIn stating that he will be leaving the airline. His departure will mark the end of his role as vice president and chief sales officer at Southwest, with his last day scheduled for May 17. However, just two days following Harvey’s announcement, private aviation company Wheels Up revealed that he would be joining their team on May 20 as their new chief commercial officer. This move will require Harvey to relocate to Atlanta to take on his new position.
Wheels Up has undergone a series of transformations in recent years, particularly after merging its Delta Private Jets business with Delta Air Lines in 2020. Following this merger, the company experienced a period of uncertainty which was alleviated by a $500 million investment from Delta, Certares, and Knighthead. These financial troubles led to organizational changes, with George Mattson assuming the role of CEO in October, succeeding founder Kenny Dichter who stepped down earlier in the year. Notably, Mattson had previously served on Delta’s board of directors.
In an effort to streamline its operations and enhance its leadership team, Wheels Up made significant adjustments. The company welcomed a group of former Delta executives to its team, both through new hires and internal promotions. This restructuring aimed to leverage the expertise and experience of these individuals to navigate the company through its period of transition and growth.
Southwest Airlines expressed its gratitude for Dave Harvey’s quarter-century of service, acknowledging his role in establishing and leading Southwest Business. Harvey played a pivotal part in the establishment of a new business function within Southwest, taking on the role of managing director of business development in 2016. His contributions were instrumental in shaping the direction and success of Southwest Business, a testament to his dedication and leadership over the years.
The departure of Dave Harvey from Southwest Airlines marks the end of a significant chapter in his career, as he embarks on a new journey with Wheels Up. The changes at Wheels Up reflect the dynamic nature of the aviation industry, with companies adapting to new challenges and opportunities. Harvey’s legacy at Southwest will endure, as his impact on the organization’s business functions continues to be felt.