The airline's Executive Vice President & Chief Transformation Officer Ryan Green's departure coincides with the company’s first major layoffs in its history. Southwest said his departure is unrelated to the 11 senior officials laid off earlier this week.

Southwest Airlines said on Wednesday its chief transformation officer, Ryan Green, will step down from his role, months after the carrier reached an agreement with activist investor Elliott Investment Management.

A key Southwest Airlines executive has given his notice, just a day after the Dallas-based carrier announced the first mass layoffs in its 53-year history. Ryan Green, the executive vice president and Chief Transformation Officer who was integral to Southwest’s turnaround efforts,