Message from Oscar: United names new president

Last month, I shared with you that I directed my leadership team to look at all aspects of our business and ensure that we are doing everything possible to achieve our shared purpose of creating the best airline in the industry. I said that for United to successfully compete today and win in the future, we would need to embrace sensible change. Acting with a clear vision for how each of us can contribute to United's success starts with me, because we are all in this together as one United family.

After thoughtful consideration of my own role at United, I have decided to appoint Scott Kirby, former president of American Airlines, to the newly created position of president of United. He will work with our key leaders in heading our efforts to improve operations and strengthen our product, revenue and global network leadership. This move will allow me to sharpen my own focus as CEO on the core mission of driving United's overall strategy, business innovation and financial performance.

Scott will report to me and have overall responsibility for United's operations, marketing, sales, alliances, route planning and revenue management. Over a three decade career in the industry, Scott has gained an invaluable insight into all aspects of the airline business, from operations to customer service to employee development and leadership.

While his credentials speak for themselves, what set Scott apart from the other impressive candidates I considered was his excitement at the passion and enthusiasm he is seeing from all of you over the past few months. Simply put, he "gets" the new spirit of United that you have created, and he is the right person to help all of us seize the opportunities ahead.

I want to make one thing absolutely clear - our North Star hasn't changed. We continue to put earning your trust and that of our customers at the top of our priorities. Scott's appointment is the culmination of the formation of my leadership team. These moves will decisively advance our efforts to become the innovative and agile industry leader that we strive to be.

Please join me in welcoming Scott to the United family. Have a great week and thank you for continuing to take care of our customers.

Oscar