Rob Brown is a recognized leader in the travel industry with over 35 years of experience, including three decades at Southwest Airlines®. As Managing Director of B2B Strategy for Southwest Business, Rob oversees critical functions such as Distribution, TMC Strategy, Customer Success, CRM/Sales Operations, and Service Strategy.

Throughout his career, Rob has driven transformative initiatives that shaped Southwest’s business travel strategy. He helped spearhead the launch of SWABIZ in 2000, pioneering direct distribution in managed travel, and later advanced API-Direct Connect capabilities to integrate with major corporate booking tools. In 2019, Rob oversaw negotiations with all three major GDSs—Sabre, Travelport, and Amadeus—solidifying a multi-channel portfolio to meet diverse corporate travel needs.

Rob’s influence extends beyond Southwest. He actively contributes to industry thought leadership through roles on boards and committees, including ARC Board of Directors, ASTA Corporate Advisory Board, GBTA Aviation Committee (2015), and Business Travel News DEI Committee (2021). In 2022, Rob was selected for Leadership Dallas, a prestigious program fostering regional business growth and innovation.

Rob’s strategic vision and collaborative leadership have positioned Southwest Business as a competitive force in managed travel, while his industry engagement underscores his commitment to advancing corporate travel solutions.