April 7 (Reuters) - U.S. discount carrier Spirit

Airlines said on Monday that CEO Ted Christie has

stepped down with immediate effect as part of a shakeup, weeks

after the company emerged from bankruptcy and reconstituted its

board.

Chief Commercial Officer Matt Klein is also leaving and will

be succeeded by insider Rana Ghosh.

Last month, the low-cost carrier said it would rebrand

itself as a premium airline, as it emerged from bankruptcy

protection following the completion of a financial

restructuring. The shift would generate 13% more revenue per

passenger, according to the company's estimate.

Christie joined Spirit in April 2012 and was named the CEO

on January 1, 2019.

An interim office of the CEO, consisting of Chief Financial

Officer Fred Cromer, Chief Operating Officer John Bendoraitis

and General Counsel Thomas Canfield, will lead the company until

a new chief is named.

Spirit had filed for bankruptcy protection last November,

following years of losses and heavy debt, as well as failed

merger attempts.

Low-cost carriers, which excelled at keeping their expenses

low and offering affordable travel, have struggled since the

pandemic as travelers prefer to pay extra for a more comfortable

journey as they pursue experiences.