Oscar Munoz, 56, was named United Airlines’ new CEO yesterday. Though a Board Member of United Continental Holdings since 2010 and involved in the Continental organization since 2004, I had never heard of him prior to yesterday’s news of Jeff Smisek stepping down. Here’s a glimpse at the resume of who is now running world’s second largest carrier:
- BS in Business Administration from the University of Southern California in 1982
- MBA from Pepperdine University in 1986
- President of CSX Corp. (railroad) from 02/2015 to 09/2015
- Chief Operating Officer of CSX Corp. from 02/2012 to 09/2015
- Executive Vice President from 01/2012 to 02/2015
- United Continental Holdings Board Member since 2010
- Continental Airlines Board Member since 2004
- Chief Financial Officer of CSX Corp. from 05/2003 to 02/2012.
- Worked for Coca Cola Enterprises, Coca Cola Company and USWest Communications, Inc.
- Senior Vice President of Finance & Administration of Qwest Communications International Inc. from 06/2000 to 12/2000
The important thing to note is that Munoz has a very different background than Smisek. He has a lot of executive experience and his positions will likely give him a different outlook than that of an attorney. Key will be whether Munoz understands that small off-handed comments (like that of former COO John Rainey) can do tremendous damage. Words matter and actions speak louder than words.
Munoz is in the unenviable position of taking over a company that has been mired with a bad reputation for operational reliability and customer service. Soon, I will lay out a five-point plan that Munoz can use as a schematic to make United not just profitable, but truly worthy of the “Friendly Skies” moniker. Of course I’m just an arm chair CEO, but Munoz has expressed a desire to listen and as a very frequent flyer on United who has a pretty good feel for what United’s customers are thinking, I hope he will be open to suggestions from all sources.
Where are the Bob Crandall’s of the aviation world. He could be another ticket puncher looking for the final golden parachute like Smisek got. Read today’s http://www.Telegraph.co.uk article regarding CEOs and bosses. Pretty grim out there to be sure. Many so-called leaders are nothing be useless narcisstic pamphlateers who learned about ‘leadership’ from those ‘inspiring’ posters you find all over the walls of organizations and businesses, they only cost $25.99 – framed.