WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - United Continental Holdings, Inc. (UAL) on Monday appointed Scott Kirby as President of United Airlines with immediate effect. Kirby, an industry veteran aged 49, joins United from American Airlines Group Inc. (AAL), where he was president since 2013, following the merger of American Airlines and US Airways.
Meanwhile, American Airlines announced that Chief Operating Officer Robert Isom will become the President, effective immediately. In his new role, Isom will report to Chairman and CEO Doug Parker.
United noted that in the newly created role, Kirby will assume responsibility for its operations, marketing, sales, alliances, network planning and revenue management. He will report to United's CEO Oscar Munoz.
Munoz said, 'Scott is a proven leader, whose deep airline experience and expertise will further accelerate our efforts to build the best airline in the industry.... This is just the latest step in our mission to be an agile and innovative industry leader.'
Kirby holds three-decade airline career with senior leadership roles. He started his career at the Pentagon in the technology sector. His airline career was started at America West Airlines in 1995 and was a key member of the executive team through the 2005 merger of America West and US Airways, and the 2013 merger of US Airways and American Airlines. He was named President of US Airways in 2006 and was elected as President of American Airlines in 2013.
American's new President Isom will continue to oversee the airline's operation and assume all revenue responsibilities for the airline. He began his airline career at Northwest Airlines in 1991. He joined US Airways as Chief Operating Officer in 2007 and led the turnaround of US Airways' operating performance and reliability. He was named Chief Operating Officer of American Airlines in 2013 after the merger of American and US Airways.
American said the latest management changes are the result of its ongoing succession planning process over concerns that it would not be able to retain its existing executives in their current roles for an extended period.
As per reports, American Airlines has agreed to pay Kirby $3.85 million, representing 24 months of base salary, as well as his short-term incentive bonus. He will also get an accelerated vesting of more than 259,000 American shares currently valued at more than $9.34 million.
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