United Airlines general counsel Brett Hart will take over the duties of chief executive Oscar Munoz as he recovers from a heart attack last week.
The Chicago-based carrier’s board of directors appointed Hart, who joined United in 2010, acting chief executive effective immediately after US markets closed on 19 October. It had notified investors of a “corporate governance process” that would conclude as early as tonight earlier in the day.
“I am confident in [Hart’s] ability to continue to implement the company's strategy and Oscar's mission of bringing United's people together around the shared purpose of becoming the best airline for our customers and employees," says Henry Meyer III, non-executive chairman of United’s board, in a statement.
The course and length of Munoz's recovery is unknown, the airline says.
Hart’s appointment follows the hospitalisation of Munoz 15 October for a heart attack only a little over a month after accepting the chief executive job at United.
Munoz’s hospitalisation comes at a time of management uncertainty for United. He replaced Jeff Smisek who resigned, along with two senior government affairs executives, in September following a federal investigation into his deals with the Port Authority of the New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ). The airline in August lost its chief financial officer John Rainey to PayPal.
“As the acting CEO, supported by the board and executive leadership team, I can assure you that we will continue the focus on providing employees the tools that they need to give our customers great service,” says Hart in a letter to employees tonight. “Not only will we continue to listen to your feedback, but in the coming days we will be announcing some of the changes that have come from all of our listening sessions.”
Hart will work closely with Meyer and United’s executive team, including chief revenue officer Jim Compton, during Munoz’s convalescence, the airline says.
There is no guarantee that Munoz will return to the role, something United acknowledges saying the board is “preparing for all potential outcomes”.
Source: Cirium Dashboard
