DALLAS – Southwest Airlines has named Rakesh Gangwal as the independent chair of the board of directors. Gangwal, an airline executive and entrepreneur, has been a member of the Southwest Airlines board of directors since July 8. Previously, he served on the boards of US Airways Group, CarMax, Office Depot, OfficeMax and PetSmart.

Southwest Airlines on Monday named aviation industry veteran Rakesh Gangwal as the independent chair to its board, days after the budget carrier settled its feud with activist investor Elliott. The airline brought in the co-founder of India's largest carrier Indigo to its board in July despite criticism from Elliott Investment Management at the time.

Southwest Airlines has named former US Airways CEO Rakesh Gangwal as its new independent chair of the board of directors. Gangwal joined the board in July, shortly after activist investor Elliott Investment Management disclosed a stake in the Dallas-based ...