=20 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- This article was sent to you by someone who found it on SF Gate. The original article can be found on SFGate.com here: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=3D/news/archive/2003/02/12/f= inancial2130EST0352.DTL ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Wednesday, February 12, 2003 (AP) Alaska Air CEO to retire in May (02-12) 18:30 PST SEATTLE (AP) -- John Kelly, chairman and chief executive of Alaska Air Group Inc., will retire May 20 from the Seattle-based parent company of Alaska Airlines and its sister carrier, Horizon Air. William Ayer, currently president of Alaska Airlines, will take over Kelly's duties as chairman and chief executive of Alaska Air Group, the company said Wednesday. Kelly, 58, joined Alaska Airlines in 1976 as an assistant vice president of sales. He worked in several other executive positions before being named the parent company's chairman and chief executive in February 1995. "Under John's guidance, direction and commitment, Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air have become recognized as technological leaders and innovators within the airline industry," said Bruce Kennedy, chairman emeritus and Alaska Air Group board member. Ayer, 48, will immediately assume two other roles that Kelly fills -- president of Alaska Air Group and chairman of Alaska Airlines, the company said. Alaska Air shares fell 30 cents to close at $18.46 Wednesday on the New York Stock Exchange. =20 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright 2003 AP