Dave Ridley

Dave Ridley’s distinguished career at Southwest Airlines spanned 27 years, culminating in his retirement in 2015. As a senior executive, he held pivotal roles, including SVP Chief Marketing Officer, SVP People and Leadership Development, SVP Business Development, and VP of Ground (Airport) Operations. From 1998 until his retirement, Ridley was a vital part of the Executive Committee, contributing to the airline’s strategic direction and corporate policies.

During Ridley’s tenure (1988-2015), Southwest Airlines underwent remarkable growth, transforming from a $700 million regional airline serving 26 U.S. cities into the largest domestic airline in the United States, with revenue exceeding $20 billion. The airline, a model of profitability, consistently ranks among Fortune’s ‘Top 10 Most Admired Companies in the World,’ a testament to its unique culture and exceptional workplace environment.

Now in his post-retirement phase, Dave Ridley leverages his wealth of experience to provide keynote speeches and advise organizations globally. He shares invaluable lessons learned at Southwest Airlines, emphasizing the essentials of building a world-class brand rooted in service excellence, the requisite leadership style, and the pivotal role of a healthy corporate culture in sustaining success.

A proud Texan, Ridley earned his BBA in the Honors Business Program at the University of Texas at Austin in 1975 and completed his MBA at Southern Methodist University in 1981. Before joining Southwest in 1988, he held marketing and business development roles with several Dallas-area companies.

Beyond his professional achievements, Ridley cherishes 40 years of marital bliss with Mary Flo Ridley and takes joy in being a parent to three children and a grandparent to eight wonderful grandchildren. Alongside his passion for golf, Ridley confesses an addiction to ice cream that rivals his dedication to the fairways.