Southwest Airlines Names Vice President of Interactive Marketing

Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) has named Kevin Krone to the newly created position of vice president of interactive marketing. His primary responsibilities include the development and marketing of Southwest's web site and the development of the Rapid Rewards system.

In his new position, Krone has the responsibility of leading the production of web pages and programs to provide reservations on the Southwest web site and maintaining and building the programs and database that contain Rapid Rewards members' accounts.

"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead this dynamic marketing automation team," Krone said. "I finally have the opportunity to tell the world about the tremendous achievement and success of the marketing automation team."

Krone, 32, was born in Urbana, Illinois. He earned his bachelor's degree in finance and a master's of business administration from the University of Illinois. Krone began his career at Southwest as the Detroit area marketing manager in December 1992. He then transferred to Dallas as a senior marketing analyst. Krone was then promoted to manager of marketing automation and on to senior manager of marketing automation. He was then promoted to director of marketing automation and most recently senior director of marketing automation.

"Kevin is a capable leader who has demonstrated his dedication and effectiveness over the past eight years and has contributed significantly in helping make our web site be one of the easiest to use in the industry," said Joyce Rogge, Southwest's vice president of marketing.

Southwest Airlines was the first airline to establish a home page on the Internet. Under Krone's leadership, the Click 'N Save program, an option for Customers booking on the Internet to receive e-mails each week alerting them of fare sales, has grown to support more than 2.7 million subscribers. Also, Southwest reported that approximately 30 percent of its 2000 revenue, $1.7 billion, was generated from online bookings via southwest.com.

Southwest Airlines, the first major U.S. airline to have its own home page on the Internet, was recognized as having the "best airline Web home page," according to Air Transport World. For the latest news about the airline, schedules, and fare information, visit www.southwest.com.

www.southwest.com
SOURCE Southwest Airlines
Web site: http: //www.southwest.com