Spirit Airlines announced that President and CEO Ted Christie will step down from his position effective April 7, 2025, marking the end of his 13-year tenure with the ultra-low-cost carrier. Christie will also depart from the company's Board of Directors.
The leadership change comes just weeks after Spirit Airlines emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The airline was the first U.S. carrier in over 40 years to declare bankruptcy.
While the board searches for a permanent replacement, an interim Office of the President has been established. This office comprises three executives: Fred Cromer (Executive VP and CFO), John Bendoraitis (Executive VP and COO), and Thomas Canfield (Senior VP and General Counsel).
The shake-up extends beyond Christie's departure, as Executive VP and Chief Commercial Officer Matt Klein is also stepping down. Rana Ghosh, who previously served as Senior VP and Chief Transformation Officer, will take over as the new Chief Commercial Officer.
Board Chairman Robert Milton acknowledged Christie's contributions, particularly highlighting his leadership during the COVID-19 crisis and recent corporate restructuring efforts. Christie joined Spirit in 2012 as CFO before ascending to the CEO position in 2019.
The leadership changes follow a challenging period for Spirit Airlines, which included two unsuccessful merger attempts. A proposed $3.8 billion acquisition by JetBlue was blocked by a federal judge on antitrust grounds, while earlier negotiations with Frontier Airlines also failed to materialize.
Spirit's future direction remains uncertain as the airline recently indicated a shift away from its traditional ultra-low-cost model, exploring premium travel options such as fare bundling, larger seats, and enhanced onboard services.