Edward L. Stewart

Southwest Airlines promoted Ed Stewart to Senior Director of Public Relations in May of 2001, where he supervises a staff of fifteen people. The Dallas-based Company initially hired Stewart as Manager of Public Relations in December of 1990 promoting him to Director in 1995. Stewart is responsible for all media relations at the nation's fourth largest (and only consistently profitable) major airline in the country. In addition, he oversees the operation of the Company's national PR firm, thus supporting Southwest's P. R. activities throughout the U.S.

Among his many media successes, Stewart has garnered positive news coverage for Southwest on the front pages of The Wall Street Journal and USA Today. He directed all communications aspects of the successful "Malice in Dallas" arm wrestling match between Southwest's CEO and another company's top executive to settle the use of an advertising slogan.

Most major newspapers around the world, 139 television stations in the United States, and the BBC of London reported the story.

For the last 28 years Southwest was the only major U. S. carrier reporting both operating and net profits annually.

Stewart also acts as the Company spokesman on a number of controversial issues involving Southwest Airlines around the United States. The Airline's Public Relations Department is considered to be among the best in the industry according to a survey conducted by The Journal of Financial Reporters (TJFR). The Department was also awarded The Lone Star Award by the Texas Public Relations Association (TPRA) in March of 1999.

Stewart has a wealth of public relations and journalistic experience gained from years as a professional communicator with highly respected companies.

A native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Stewart joined Southwest after serving for several years as a media spokesman for American Airlines.

While at American, Stewart coordinated public relations activities throughout the U. S., Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean.

Before Joining American, Stewart was a public relations manager for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in St. Louis, MO., where he was responsible for in-house video productions and major advertising campaigns in a five-state region. He later became a media spokesman for Southwestern Bell on the company's products and services.

Prior to his public relations career, Stewart worked as a general assignment and political reporter for network affiliate television stations in Milwaukee and Oklahoma City.

He is an active member in the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and The Press Club of Dallas.

Stewart graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a bachelor's degree in journalism.