Above: a JetBlue plane

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Air carrier JetBlue has named Robin Hayes its new president, effective Jan. 1.

Hayes, who had been serving as the company’s executive vice president and chief commercial officer, succeeds CEO Dave Barger in the position.

“JetBlue will soon enter its 15th year, very well positioned in an incredibly challenging business,” Barger said. “Robin’s expertise and global airline experience will help JetBlue continue to strengthen and evolve our business. In addition, Robin’s values are a great match for JetBlue’s enviable culture, which is the foundation of our success.”

Hayes has been with JetBlue since August 2008 after a career with British Airways.

Rob Maruster will succeed Hayes as executive vice president and chief commercial officer.

“I am honored to serve JetBlue’s crewmembers, customers and investors in this role,” Mr. Hayes said. “My focus will be to ensure JetBlue grows profitably and sustainably by disrupting the industry and remaining true to our mission to inspire humanity,” Hayes said. “As a challenger brand in an otherwise commodity business, what differentiates JetBlue is our values-driven culture with crewmembers for whom service is part of their DNA.”

JetBlue has become one of the most important carriers to the Caribbean region, having embarked on a major expansion in recent years that included new destinations like Haiti and Trinidad and Tobago.