United Airlines has promoted veteran executive Brett Hart to be its next President. Hart, who currently serves as the company’s Chief Administrative Officer, will begin his new role on May 20.
Hart’s appointment follows news from earlier this year that current CEO Oscar Munoz will become the company’s Executive Chair and current President Scott Kirby will transition into the role of CEO.
The airline will not replace the role of Chief Administrative Officer.
As President of United Airlines, Hart will oversee the company's Government Affairs, Legal, Corporate Communications, Corporate Real Estate, Human Resources, Labor Relations, and Community Engagement teams. Hart will also manage United's environmental sustainability efforts.
Before joining United in 2010, Hart held multiple positions at now defunctfood company Sara Lee over 6 years, including EVP, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary. Prior to his career at Sara Lee, Hart was a partner at now dissolved international law firm Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal and served as Special Assistant to the General Counsel at the U.S. Department of Treasury.
In a press release, Hart said, "I am honored and energized as I take on these new responsibilities to lead this incredible team that I am convinced will build United into a thriving industry leader."
Kirby stated, "The leadership Brett has shown as we have managed the current crisis reinforces the conclusion I reached last year: Brett is exactly the leader that United needs right now to take on the role of President."
Hart’s promotion to serve as the United’s President comes at a troubling time for the airline. The coronavirus caused the company to post a $1.7 billion loss in the first quarter of 2020, as would-be travelers stay at home. This financial instability has prompted the airline to apply for up to $4.5 billion in government loans as well as federal payroll aid.
