Kevin Krone is an experienced senior executive, board director, and advisor to global companies. Currently, he is Chief Executive Officer of Builder Homesite Inc. in Austin Texas. Builder Homesite is a technology company focused on connecting the home building industry with those looking for a new home.

Prior to this current role, Kevin was the Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Southwest Airlines Co. His areas of responsibility included all brand and category advertising and communications, social business strategy, customer insights, brand development, digital strategy and execution, online marketing, mobile strategy and execution, product management, innovation, corporate and government sales, distribution strategy, business performance, multi-cultural marketing, Rapid Rewards loyalty and frequent-flyer program, and all marketing operations.

Kevin brings extensive experience in leading marketing and advertising strategy, digital marketing, social channel marketing, innovation, mobile strategy, and operations. Kevin’s tenure as an experienced marketing expert is based in over 24 years building, growing, and deepening one of the world’s most respected brands. His leadership and professional experience spans beyond airline travel into other categories and industries.

Prior to his role as Chief Marketing Officer, Kevin held various positions in sales and Marketing at Southwest Airlines including Vice President Interactive Marketing and Vice President Marketing, Sales, and Distribution. Kevin began his career at Southwest Airlines in 1992. Each new role in his career fueled his passion for the use of innovation and technology.

Kevin has been named one of the Top 50 CMOs to Watch in 2015, one of the World’s Most Influential CMOs by Forbes, Top 25 Most Extraordinary Minds in Sales & Marketing, and awarded the Advertising Innovation and Leadership Award. His leadership and innovative approach to Marketing have been featured in Forbes, The Hub, Mashable’s “The Future of Marketing” series, and the book he co-authored, “Implementing a Successful Sales Strategy.” Kevin is also the holder of two patents.

In addition, Kevin serves on the Board of Directors of UpLift, Inc. in Sunnyvale, CA, Builder Homesite Inc. in Austin TX. Previously, he served on the Board of Directors of RVshare and Board of Directors and chaired the Nomination and Governance Committee of HomeAway, Inc. prior to their sale to Expedia Inc. in 2015.

Kevin earned a MBA in Marketing and a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Illinois.