Southwest Airline’s longtime chief executive officer, Gary Kelly, will step down Feb. 1 and will be replaced by Robert E. Jordan, who is currently executive vice president of corporate service, a role in which he oversees human resources and communications and outreach. Kelly, who has been chief since 2004, will become executive chairman and is expected to remain in that role at least through 2026. Jordan joined Southwest in 1988, two years after Kelly, and helped develop the airline’s frequent flier program.

McDonald's is expanding its pilot MyMcDonald's Rewards program nationwide at participating restaurants on July 8. The program will be available via the McDonald's app. The fast food giant added restaurants in New England several weeks ago, entering the next phase of the test. “The loyalty offering will allow McDonald's to personalize the diner experience. Loyalty members will be greeted by name as they pass through the drive-thru lane, and will receive personalized emails that include promotions tailored to their preferences after they collect their meals,” per CNBC.

Benefit Cosmetics is evolving its pilot “Game Face” campaign, developed to connect the beauty and gaming communities, into a global program on a Twitch channel. The brand initially launched the program in 2020 in the U.S. and Australia, partnering with women in gaming and encouraging them to get their "Game Face" on using Benefit Cosmetics' makeup. The company is partnering with 20 gamers from around the world for livestreams on Twitch June 21-28.

Godiva celebrated its 95th anniversary by recreating a stunt that originated in the 1940s after World War II in Belgium: a bright-pink truck aimed to spread cheer (and chocolate) to New Yorkers. “The goal was to both honor Godiva's history and raise awareness of the brand’s national availability in food, drug, grocery and mass retailers,” per BizBash.

Amazon maintained its position as the most valuable brand, growing its value 64% to $684 billion according to the Kantar BrandZ Most Valuable Global Brands 2021. “Apple ranked second, with a brand value of $612 billion, up 74% over 2020,” per Chain Store Age. “Tesla ranked as the fastest-growing brand (and the most valuable car brand) growing its value by 275% year-on-year to $42.6 billion.”

Amazon’s 48-hour Prime Day event kicks off today, and sales from the promotion will approach $12 billion worldwide, projects eMarketer. While growth will be slower again this year, Prime Day 2021 will still smash last year’s sales record by nearly $2 billion, according to the research company.

Sports betting company Action Network and the NHL have entered into a sponsored content deal. “NHL fans will find written analysis of every playoff game and weekly betting videos hosted by the company’s NHL experts,” per Barrett Sports Media. “Those experts will also make appearances on official NHL podcasts.”

Victoria’s Secret is foregoing the use of “angels” in a new rebranding effort. “In place of the angels are seven women famous for their achievements and not their proportions,” per The New York Times. “They will be spearheading what may be the most extreme and unabashed attempt at a brand turnaround in recent memory: an effort to redefine the version of “sexy” that Victoria’s Secret represents (and sells) to the masses.”

Amazon is opening its first Amazon Fresh supermarket with cashierless technology pioneered in its smaller Amazon Go convenience stores. The 25,000-square-foot store in Bellevue, Washington is the company’s 14th Amazon Fresh store. Customers can also enter the store through designated gates and use one of the staffed checkout lanes.

Several trends are emerging as lockdowns lift and singles begin mingling. The top dating platforms are strategizing for what’s next. “The brands that dominate the online dating space are increasingly teaming with other organizations to bring new experiences to daters, market their product in innovative ways and expand their offerings,” per The Drum.