United's new SVP of worldwide sales Doreen Burse
United Airlines has named Marriott International sales executive Doreen Burse to lead its global sales team.
Burse, who has 33 years of experience in the hospitality industry, most recently as Marriott's VP of global sales for the United States and Canada, will join United as SVP of worldwide sales on 1 March. In the role, she will lead United's sales strategy and report to EVP and chief commercial officer Andrew Nocella.
"Doreen has been a change agent [in the hospitality industry], showing consistent achievement in leading teams through challenging environments," Nocella said in a statement. "Her results-driven focus, collaborative style and commitment to employee morale and development will help United navigate the evolving needs of corporate customers as they return to the skies in force as the pandemic recedes."
Upon taking the role, Burse will be the second current sales executive from a major hotel company leading the sales efforts at a major US airline. Alison Taylor, recently promoted to American Airlines' chief customer officer, has led American's sales global sales team since 2016, when she left the global sales position at Starwood Hotels & Resorts prior to its acquisition by Marriott. When she joined American, Taylor also reported to Nocella, who was then the carrier's VP of network planning, alliances and sales.
Burse succeeds United Airlines worldwide sales SVP Jake Cefolia, who was reported as a missing person in early August.