United Promotes Scott Kirby to CEO, Munoz Becomes Executive Chairman
Photo Credit: Scott Kirby speaking at Skift Forum Asia. Skift
Skift Take
Plenty of eyebrows were raised when Scott Kirby swapped American for United in 2016, but it was clear he was looking to run an airline. His trajectory to CEO was long anticipated.
United Airlines is reshuffling its executive team with Scott Kirby being promoted to CEO in a long-expected move, and Oscar Munoz shifting to executive chairman of the airline group's board.
The change will take place in May 2020 when United's current chairman, Jane Garvey, will retire from the board.
Munoz will serve as executive chairman for a one-year term.
Kirby joined the company from rival American Airlines in 2016.
Munoz presided over a major turnaround at United. A board member since 2004, Munoz took over as CEO after Jeffrey Smisek was forced out by scandal. He took over an an airline plagued with operational woes and restive labor after a merger with Continental Airlines criticized by Wall Street. A heart attack sh
