United Airlines chief executive Oscar Munoz has announced he will transition to the role of executive chairman of the board in May 2020, with president Scott Kirby chosen to take his place.
Munoz was named CEO of the airline in September 2015, having previously been serving as a member of the board of parent company United Continental Holdings. He has held a number of other high-profile leadership positions at companies such as AT&T, Coca-Cola and PepsiCo.
Kirby was recruited to United from American Airlines by Munoz in 2016 after spending three decades in the commercial airline business. According to the carrier, Kirby has played a “pivotal role” in its cultural transformation and the execution of its strategic growth plan.
Munoz will continue to serve as executive chairman for a one-year term and will work closely with Kirby in shaping United’s future.
As part of the transition, current chairman Jane Garvey will retire from the board in May 2020 after more than a decade with the airline.
Commenting on his change of role, Munoz said: “With United in a stronger position than ever, now is the right time to begin the process of passing the baton to a new leader. One of my goals as CEO was to put in place a successful leadership transition for United Airlines. I brought Scott to United three years ago, and I am confident that there is no one in the world better equipped to lead United to even greater heights. It has been the honour of my career to lead the 95,000 dedicated professionals who serve United’s customers every day. I look forward to continuing to work closely with Scott in the months ahead and supporting the company’s ongoing success in my new role.”
Kirby added: “I am honoured to be named the next CEO of United and to succeed Oscar, whose leadership has been truly transformational for United Airlines. I look forward to working with Oscar, the board, our established leadership team and every United employee as we drive forward our proven strategy and focus on being the airline customers choose to fly and return to time and again.”
Garvey said: “Oscar became CEO at one of the most challenging points in United’s history, and his focus on putting customers and employees first has transformed United’s culture today and successfully positioned the company for tomorrow. One of Oscar’s legacies is the best-in-class leadership team he has built, and we have full confidence that Scott is the ideal candidate to lead United into the bright future that lies ahead.”
united.com