Spirit Airlines, the South Florida-based budget airline, is gearing up for new leadership. Bob Fornaro, president and CEO since January 2016, will step down from his position in early 2019. He will be succeeded by Ted Christie, the airline's current chief financial officer, according to a Wednesday release.
"I've known Ted for over 10 years, as a competitor, board member and as a colleague in management. I am confident that the company and our team will respond very favorably to his leadership," Fornaro said in the release.
The transition will take place over the coming year. Christie will take over as president and become a member of Spirit's board of directors on Jan. 1. In 2019, he will take over as CEO. Spirit Airlines, based in Miramar, offers flights to and from Tampa International Airport.