Alaska Airlines Names Steve Jarvis Vice President of Sales and Customer Experience

SEATTLE, Nov. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Alaska Airlines has named Steve Jarvis vice president of sales and customer experience, a newly created position overseeing the distribution and customer care functions previously led by separate vice presidents.

Jarvis previously served as staff vice president of e-commerce and distribution, responsible for airline ticket sales across all distribution channels and the airline's Web site, alaskaair.com. In his new role, Jarvis will extend his leadership to include a range of customer care functions, including the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan, Alaska Airlines Vacations, airport Board Rooms, and phone and Web support services.

"Steve is a talented leader who has already had an immeasurable positive impact on Alaska Airlines," said Gregg Saretsky, Alaska's executive vice president of marketing and planning. "As Alaska streamlines its customer relations activities and works to better leverage customer loyalty, we are delighted to have Steve leading the charge."

Alaska announced the restructuring of its marketing division following the planned departure of Tom Romary, the airline's vice president of marketing. Jarvis' new role integrates many of the activities previously managed by both executives.

Jarvis joined Alaska in 1999 as staff vice president of e-commerce, a role that was expanded to staff vice president of e-commerce and distribution in 2002. During his tenure, Jarvis has led ticket distribution strategies responsible for more than $2 billion in annual passenger revenue. He also has led a focused effort to expand the role of the company's Web site, alaskaair.com, and other Internet-based technologies to boost airline ticket sales and enhance the customer experience.

Prior to joining the Alaska executive team, Jarvis served as vice president of e-commerce and acquisitions for Destinations.com, a Seattle-based online travel portal. He has held technology related positions at Autodesk, Intermind and AT&T Wireless. Jarvis earned a bachelor's degree in aeronautical engineering and a master's degree in business administration from the University of Washington. He began his career at Boeing as a design engineer.

Alaska Airlines and sister carrier, Horizon Air, together serve 88 cities through an expansive network throughout Alaska, the Lower 48, Canada and Mexico. For reservations visit alaskaair.com. For more news and information, visit the Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air newsroom at http://newsroom.alaskaair.com/ .