United’s Kirby Gets Turn as an Airline CEO After Years as No. 2
- Munoz to step aside in May, will serve as executive chairman
- Leadership transition offers continuity after turnaround drive
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United Airlines Chief Executive Officer Oscar Munoz will hand the reins to President Scott Kirby next year, capping a turnaround effort at a carrier that had become an industry laggard after a rocky merger and a pair of embarrassing scandals.
Kirby, 52, will take over as CEO at United Airlines Holdings Inc. in May, less than four years after joining the company following a long tenure as the No. 2 executive at American Airlines Group Inc. and US Airways. Munoz, 60, who overcame a severe heart attack shortly after becoming CEO in 2015 and went on to have a heart transplant, will become executive chairman.