Dave Ridley

Dave Ridley, a seasoned executive, established an impactful 27-year career at Southwest Airlines, joining in 1988 and serving until 2015. Beginning his tenure, he rapidly progressed through senior executive positions, including SVP Chief Marketing Officer, SVP People and Leadership Development, SVP Business Development, and VP of Ground (Airport) Operations. In 1998, Ridley was invited to join the Executive Committee, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s strategy and corporate policy. During his leadership, Southwest Airlines experienced significant growth, transforming from a regional airline serving 26 U.S.

His work empowers executives and teams to implement proven frameworks for talent development and customer engagement, echoing the principles that drove Southwest Airlines’ unprecedented growth and consistent recognition.