UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): July 1, 2024
Spirit Airlines, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware | 001-35186 | 38-1747023 | ||
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) |
(Commission File Number) |
(IRS Employer Identification No.) |
1731 Radiant Drive
Dania Beach, Florida 33004
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
(954) 447-7920
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
N/A
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
☐ | Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) |
☐ | Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) |
☐ | Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) |
☐ | Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Class |
Trading |
Name of each exchange | ||
Common Stock, $0.0001 par value | SAVE | New York Stock Exchange |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Item 5.02. | Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers. |
On July 1, 2024, Spirit Airlines, Inc. (“Spirit” or the “Company”) announced the appointment of Frederick A. Cromer as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, effective July 8, 2024.
Mr. Cromer, 60, brings three decades of experience in the aviation industry, with expertise in financial management, strategic planning, treasury and operations. He has held numerous executive positions over his career, most recently serving as Chief Executive Officer, and previously Chief Financial Officer, of Xwing, Inc., a fast-growing aviation technology company and pioneer in developing the world’s first autonomous regional cargo aircraft. Prior to Xwing, Mr. Cromer served as President of Bombardier Commercial Aircraft from 2015 to 2020, President of International Lease Finance Corporation from 2008 to 2015, and Chief Financial Officer and Vice President at ExpressJet Airlines from 1998 to 2008. Mr. Cromer received an A.B. in Economics from University of Michigan and an MBA in Finance from DePaul University.
In connection with Mr. Cromer’s appointment, the Company entered into an offer letter pursuant to which he will receive an annual base salary of $610,000. He will also be eligible for a target bonus of 100% of his annual base salary earned based on Company and individual performance. Mr. Cromer will receive a signing bonus of $200,000 (subject to applicable withholdings) and an initial long-term incentive (“LTI”) award of $1,000,000 in grant date value, comprised of 50% restricted stock units vesting in equal annual installments over three years and 50% in the form of time-based cash vesting in equal annual installments over three. Mr. Cromer will be eligible to receive annual LTI awards pursuant to the Spirit Airlines, Inc. 2024 Incentive Award Plan, with an annual target award value of $1,500,000.
The Company will provide Mr. Cromer with its standard form of indemnification agreement in the form filed as Exhibit 10.24 of Amendment No. 3 to the Company’s Form S-1/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 19, 2010.
There are no arrangements or understandings between Mr. Cromer and any other person pursuant to which he was appointed. Mr. Cromer has no family relationship with any director or other executive officer of the Company, or any person nominated or chosen by the Company to become a director or executive officer, and there are no transactions in which Mr. Cromer has an interest requiring disclosure under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.
After conducting an extensive benchmarking analysis with the assistance of independent advisers, and in view of the restrictions on executive compensation in recent years due to limitations under the CARES Act and under the merger agreement with JetBlue, the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors also approved adjustments to other named executive officers, effective July 1, 2024, as follows: (i) for Mr. Ted Christie, President and CEO, annual base salary will be increased to $950,000; (ii) for Mr. John Bendoraitis, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, annual base salary will increase to $650,000, annual target short-term incentive (“STI”) will increase to 100% of base salary, and annual target LTI grant value will increase to $1,500,000; (iii) for Mr. Matthew Klein, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, annual base salary will increase to $525,000, annual target STI will increase to 100% of base salary, and annual target LTI grant value will increase to $1,250,000; and for Mr. Rocky Wiggins, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, annual base salary will increase to $500,000, annual target STI will increase to 80% of base salary, and annual target LTI grant value will increase to $750,000.
Item 7.01. | Regulation FD Disclosure. |
A public announcement regarding the foregoing appointment of Mr. Cromer described in Item 5.02 of this Current Report on Form 8-K, as well as regarding other executive appointments, was made by means of a press release on July 1, 2024, which is furnished herewith as Exhibit 99.1.
The information included under this Item 7.01, including Exhibit 99.1, is being furnished and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), nor shall such information be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act, except as may be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.
Item 9.01. | Financial Statements and Exhibits. |
(d) Exhibits
Exhibit Number |
Description | |
10.1 | Frederick A. Cromer Offer Letter | |
99.1 | Press Release, dated July 1, 2024. | |
104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document) |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
Date: July 1, 2024 | SPIRIT AIRLINES, INC. | |||||
By: | /s/ Thomas Canfield | |||||
Name: | Thomas Canfield | |||||
Title: | Senior Vice President and General Counsel |
Exhibit 10.1
Dear Fred Cromer,
It is with great pleasure that Spirit Airlines, Inc. (Spirit or the Company) offers you the position of Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Full-Time with a planned start date scheduled for July 8, 2024. Your position is located in Dania Point, FL.
Note, this offer is contingent on passing all required Company and TSA required pre-employment background checks.
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Your Financial Rewards |
Designed to fuel your ambition while recognizing your impact and unique contributions.
Salary
USD $610,000/Yr. to be paid on a semi-monthly basis.
Annual Performance Incentive (STI)
Be empowered and inspired through consistent and constructive goals, measurement, and feedback with the potential to earn an annual short-term incentive reward influenced by both company and Individual Team Member performance.
Your STI target percentage will be 100% of base salary earnings paid during the plan year. Your actual STI payment can range from 0% to 200% of the target percentage. The final STI payout calculation is determined by a combination of company performance (70%) decided by the board based on achievement of established STI Company goals and your individual performance (30%) as determined by your leader in assessment of your achievement of your personal goals.
Long-Term Incentive (LTI)
Additional potential to earn a long-term incentive reward influenced by the success and growth of the organization over time.
Your annual LTI award target is $1,500,000 and will be granted at the same time Annual LTI Awards are granted to other senior executive officers.
And So Much More! Including:
Spirit Airlines has partnered with Corporate Relocation International (CRI) to provide you with moving and relocation support for your move to the Fort Lauderdale area of Florida.
The Company will grant you a cash sign-on bonus of $200,000 less applicable tax withholdings and required deductions. Should you decide to terminate your employment within one (1) year from your date of hire, you will be responsible for repayment of the full sign-on bonus. By signing this offer, you authorize Spirit Airlines to make the appropriate deductions from your wages.
You will also receive a new hire LTI award of $1,000,000 with a grant date the same date formal approval during our August board meeting.
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Your Benefits + Perks |
We strive to create an environment where our Spirit Team Members can thriveheres some of what we have to offer as part of your total rewards package:
Travel Benefits
You and your three preferred travel companions, plus qualified dependents, receive unlimited confirmed travel on all Spirit flights from the very first day of employment. This benefit includes 2 free bags per traveler, one carry-on, and one checked bag.
Once you have completed 6 months of service, you and your qualified dependents can travel the world with access to standby flights on over 150 partner airlines. In addition, Spirit gives you 12 standby one-way buddy passes to share with anyone youd like! Buddy passes are only for use on Spirit flights.
Learn More
Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits
These will be active on your first day of employment.
And So Much More! Including:
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Nine (9) observed holidays plus one (1) floating holiday. | |
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Vacation: You are eligible for twenty (20) days of vacation per year. |
| Sick & Wellness time: Salaried Team Members receive eighty (80) hours of paid Sick & Wellness time on January 1st each |
Spirit is a bit different than other airlinesat our core, we are relaxed, friendly, and fun. We are proud of our unique and diverse culture where everyone brings their whole self to work. Most importantly, we are dedicated to ensuring each Guest and Team Member arrives at their destination safely and reliably. There is no limit to how fast and how far you can grow within Spirit.
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Your Manager |
Ted Christie, CEO will be responsible for providing you with support and direction.
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Two Steps Towards Embarking On Your Next Journey At Spirit |
Step 1: Review the attached important clauses.
Step 2: Indicate your acceptance of our offer and associated clauses by signing below no later than the end of business June 26, 2024.
If you have any questions about this offer, please contact Linde Grindle, SVP & Chief Human Resources officer @ linde.grindle@spirit.com.
Sincerely, Linde Grindle
|
/s/ Melinda Grindle
/s/ Frederick A. Cromer |
6/26/24
| ||
Signature of Acceptance: | Date: 6/26/24 |
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Important Acknowledgements | |||
Offer Letter With Spirit Airlines, Inc. (Spirit or the Company) |
This is a Full-Time position, and you understand that you may not engage in any other employment, occupation, consulting or business activity related to the airline business, nor will you engage in any other activities that conflict with your obligations as a Spirit employee. Any other outside employment or consulting must be approved in advance, in writing, by Spirits Human Resources Department. Your eligibility to participate in the aforementioned benefits programs will automatically terminate if you cease to be employed by the Company for any reason . Of course, the Company may change its benefits package at any time.
You agree and warrant that in performing services for the Company, you will not use or disclose any confidential information of any prior employer or other person or entity. You further warrant and represent that you have not taken or brought with you any confidential, proprietary or potentially trade secret information from any prior employer or other person or entity for use at the Company, and that you are able to fully and effectively perform your job functions for the Company without resort to, or reliance on, any such confidential information of any prior employer or other person or entity. You further warrant and represent that your acceptance of this offer and your employment with the Company will not breach or violate any agreement you have with a former employer or any other third party. You further warrant and represent that all information provided to the Company or its agents with regard to your background is true and correct.
Non-Solicitation. During Employees employment and for a period of one (1) year immediately following the termination thereof, regardless of the reason, timing or party who initiates termination of employment, Employee promises and agrees not to, directly or indirectly, either for Employee, or on behalf of or in coordination with, any other Person, solicit or hire any employee or former employee of Spirit or otherwise induce any employee of Spirit to terminate his or her employment.
Non-Disparagement. Employee agrees and covenants that Employee will not at any time make, publish or communicate to any person or in any public forum any defamatory or disparaging remarks, comments or statements concerning Spirit or its businesses, or any of its employees, officers, and existing and prospective customers, suppliers, investors and other associated third parties, or make any maliciously false statements about Spirits employees and officers.
Please note and understand that, consistent with Company practice, your employment with the Company constitutes at will employment and will not be for a specified period. As a result, your employment with the Company may be terminated by you or the Company at any time, with or without cause and with or without notice.
As an employee of the Company, you will be expected and required to abide by the Companys policies and procedures, including (but not limited to) the Companys Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and Insider Trading Compliance Program. This employment offer is contingent upon you successfully passing a criminal background check. You may also be subject to verification of employment and education, and you may be required to pass a preemployment drug screening. Please note that if you are being hired into a safety-sensitive, DOT regulated position, your Release of Information-49CFR, part 40 results from your prior 2-year DOT positions may be received up to 30 days following your date of hire. Your continued employment is also contingent upon your Release of Information results being satisfactory.
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Your Benefits + Perks |
Medical, Dental, Vision, and Travel Benefits +Perks
YOUR 2024 BENEFITS SUMMARY
Vacation, Sick & Wellness
Vacation clause:
You are eligible for twenty (20) days of vacation per year. Vacation time is prorated based on your actual date of hire and is available for use on your first day of employment. Spirit reserves the right to change or discounted the policy at any time. Vacation time must be used prior to December 31, unless otherwise approved by Human Resources in writing or required by State law. Spirit reserves the right to change or discounted the policy at any time.
Sick & Wellness clause:
Salaried Team Members receive eighty (80) hours of paid Sick and Wellness time on January 1st of each calendar year. Sick and Wellness time can be used to support absences related to personal injury/illness, medical appointments, mental health, and caring for dependents. New Salaried Team Members will have their Sick and Wellness time prorated based on their hire date. Salaried Team Members are eligible to utilize this time beginning on their date of hire. Carry-over of Sick and Wellness time from year to year is not permitted. Spirit reserves the right to change or discounted the policy at any time.
Compensation
Your future compensation is subject to periodic review based on company policy, your performance, and other factors considered by Spirit in making salary determinations.
Short Term Incentive (STI)
Your actual STI payment can range from 0% to 200% of the target percentage depending on: (i) the Companys safety performance during the year, (ii) the Companys performance under applicable financial and operational metrics and (iii) to the extent applicable, our Compensation Committees assessment of your performance. STI bonuses earned for any year are usually paid during the first calendar quarter of the following year and are subject to the approval and discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. In no event will you be entitled to receive an STI payment for any year unless your employment with the Company continued through the last day of the year and you are actively on the payroll of Spirit Airlines on the date of the STI payment. The bonus scheme may change at any time, at the Companys discretion. You also agree that target incentives do not constitute a promise of payment.
Long Term Incentive (LTI)
During your employment with the Company, you will be eligible to be granted annual long-term incentive equity awards. Your eligibility to receive an Annual LTI Award in any year will be on the basis, terms and conditions determined by the Compensation Committee in its discretion.
It is contemplated that the Annual LTI Award will have a grant date target range value as mentioned in your Offer Letter and will vest 1/3rd annually over three years. Your Annual LTI Awards will be granted at the same time Annual LTI Awards are granted to other Directors and Officers. Should you employment with the Company terminate for any reason (other than death or permanent disability) prior to the vesting date of any Annual LTI Award granted to you, the unvested portion of such Annual LTI Award will automatically terminate and forfeit at that time.
Relocation (30 days or more)
Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which became law January 1, 2018, all moving expenses incurred and/or reimbursed on or after January 1, 2018, whether reimburse to an individual or paid to a vendor on behalf of an individual, are taxable income to the individual. All payments for moving expenses to, or on behalf of an employee must be reported as wages and taxes must be withheld. The personal deduction for relocation expenses and the exclusion from income of employer-paid relocation expenses are suspended from January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2025. The Federal tax legislation removes exemptions applicable to moving expenses direct pays and reimbursements.
You furthermore agree and understand that your relocation should be completed no later than N/A from the signature date of your fully executed employment offer. Failure to move by the date specified will result in the termination of your employment agreement.
By signing your offer, I agree to reimburse Spirit Airlines (also referred to below as the Company) for all payments made to me, or made on my behalf, in the event that my employment is terminated for cause or I resign for any reason, within 24 months of the physical start date in the new location. The repayment calculation is 100% for departures within the first 12 months and 50% for departures that occur after 12 months and up to 24 months from the start date. The repayment requirement excludes Company paid tax costs.
I also understand and agree that if I sell or purchase a home in the process of relocating and choose to engage the services of a real-estate broker outside of the provided CRI network, I will be responsible for paying the non-compliance fee of $1,995 respectively for a home sale or purchase. Non-compliance fees will be deducted via payroll in four (4) equal semi-monthly or bi-weekly installments.
You agree that the Company may withhold from any compensation, reimbursements and benefits payable to you, all taxes as required by law, as well as other standard or customary withholdings and deductions.
Exhibit 99.1
Spirit Airlines Announces Executive Leadership Updates
Appoints Aviation Industry Veteran Fred Cromer as Chief Financial Officer
Dana Shapir Alviene Appointed to SVP, Inflight and Airport Experience and Tomas Ranaldi Promoted to
VP, Financial Planning & Analysis
DANIA BEACH, Fla., July 1, 2024 Spirit Airlines (NYSE: SAVE) today announced executive leadership updates including the appointment of Fred Cromer as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective July 8, 2024. Cromer will work closely with the Companys Interim CFO, Brian McMenamy, who will remain in a senior finance role with the Company to ensure a smooth transition.
Cromer brings three decades of experience in the aviation industry, with expertise in financial management, strategic planning, treasury and operations. Cromer has held numerous executive positions over his career, most recently serving as Chief Executive Officer, and previously Chief Financial Officer, of Xwing, Inc., a fast-growing aviation technology company and pioneer in developing the worlds first autonomous regional cargo aircraft. Prior to joining Xwing, Cromer served as President of Bombardier Commercial Aircraft from 2015 to 2020, President of International Lease Finance Corporation from 2008 to 2015, and Chief Financial Officer and Vice President at ExpressJet Airlines from 1998 to 2008. Cromer holds an A.B. degree in Economics from the University of Michigan and an MBA in Finance from DePaul University.
Freds extensive career in aviation and his proven track record of strategic financial leadership across all aspects of the industry bring valuable insights and expertise that will help us successfully evolve our business model as we navigate the changes in the demand environment, said Ted Christie, Spirits President and Chief Executive Officer. Fred has significant experience leading companies through periods of substantial growth and transformation, and we are very excited to bring aboard someone of Freds caliber as we continue to execute on Spirits transformation strategy.
Im thrilled to be joining Spirit at such a pivotal time for both the company and the industry, said Cromer. I really look forward to working alongside Ted and the rest of the Spirit team to help drive continuous improvement and build a sustainable and successful business going forward.
Spirit is pleased to announce additional significant leadership updates:
| Dana Shapir Alviene has been appointed Senior Vice President of Inflight and Airport Experience, effective July 29, 2024. Shapir Alviene joins Spirit from Avianca where she served as Senior Vice President of Customer Experience. Prior to Avianca, she held multiple leadership roles at JetBlue Airways between 2014 and 2023, including Vice President, Airports Experience. She began her aviation career at Southwest Airlines where she served in key operational, customer service and leadership roles. Shapir Alvienes extensive operational and customer expertise will elevate Spirits Guest experience and strengthen collaboration between its Airports and Inflight teams. |
| Tomas Ranaldi has been promoted to Vice President of Financial Planning & Analysis, effective immediately. Ranaldi has been an important member of the Spirit team since 2015, excelling in various roles within the finance department. |
Christie continued, We are delighted to welcome Dana to the Spirit Family and to elevate Tomas to his new role. I also want to thank Brian for stepping into the role of Interim CFO and agreeing to continue working with us going forward. He is an invaluable part of the Spirit team, and his experience and knowledge of Spirit will help ensure a smooth transition, as well as bringing wise leadership to ongoing projects.
About Spirit Airlines:
Spirit Airlines (NYSE: SAVE) is committed to delivering the best value in the sky. We are the leader in providing customizable travel options starting with an unbundled fare. This allows our Guests to pay only for the options they choose like bags, seat assignments, refreshments and Wi-Fi something we call À La Smarte®. Our Fit Fleet® is one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient in the United States. We serve destinations throughout the U.S., Latin America and the Caribbean, making it possible for our Guests to venture further and discover more than ever before. We are committed to inspiring positive change in the communities where we live and work through the Spirit Charitable Foundation. Come save with us at spirit.com.
Investor inquiries:
Spirit Investor Relations
investorrelations@spirit.com
Media inquiries:
Spirit Media Relations
Media_Relations@spirit.com