) insider Scott Kirby will succeed Oscar Munoz as chief executive officer next year as part of a transition the airline hopes will secure a growth path after some tumultuous years.
The leadership change follows share price and earnings improvements for United thanks to an aggressive growth strategy implemented by Kirby last year, following a public outcry over a viral video showing a 69-year-old passenger being dragged offTo improve United’s image, Munoz implemented “compassion” training to employees and focused on building morale after years of strained labor relations, while Kirby overhauled the airline’s hubs and built up its flight network.
“Thank you for taking a chance on me,” Kirby said in a video message alongside Munoz. “As we look forward to the next few years, we’ll continue the growth.” Munoz replaced Jeff Smisek, who resigned because of probes into United’s relationship with the Port Authority of New York.
United ruined a perfectly good airline (Continental).