United Airlines has named Scott Kirby to the newly created role of president.
Kirby, 49, will assume responsibility for United’s operations, marketing, sales, alliances, network planning and revenue management. Kirby’s appointment is effective immediately and he will report to United CEO Oscar Munoz.
Kirby was American Airlines’ president since the merger of American and U.S. Airways in 2013. Kirby began his airline career at America West Airlines in 1995
“Scott is a proven leader, whose deep airline experience and expertise will further accelerate our efforts to build the best airline in the industry,” Munoz said in a news release. “Scott’s appointment, along with other recent leadership announcements, is the culmination of the formation of my senior leadership team. This is just the latest step in our mission to be an agile and innovative industry leader.”
Meanwhile, American Airlines said Chief Operating Officer Robert Isom will become president. In his new role, Isom, 52, will report to Chairman and CEO Doug Parker, 54.
“Robert is a world-class executive, and extremely well-qualified to assume the role of president,” Parker said in a news release. “He has played an important role in the success American has become, including leading our operational integration and building an outstanding team. Robert is an engaging leader with a talent for growing and inspiring the colleagues around him. As president of American Airlines, Robert will do great things for our team members, our customers and our shareholders.”
Isom began his airline career at Northwest Airlines in 1991. He joined U.S. Airways as chief operating officer in 2007.