United CEO Oscar Munoz says he has a “proven leader” who is primed to help lead the company: former White House press secretary Josh Earnest.
Mr. Earnest and his family are heading to Chicago for his new role as United Airlines’ chief communications officer and senior vice president. The company currently sits as the nation’s third-largest carrier.
“Josh is a proven leader and world-class communications strategist who has thrived when the stakes are the highest — and the margin for error is the smallest,” Mr. Munoz said in a press release. “He’ll play a crucial role on our leadership team as we position our brand and this company for success.”
Mr. Earnest will officially begin his tenure at United on May 21, Reuters reported.
His arrival comes in the wake of two high-profile, public-relations blunders for United.
Video of 69-year-old passenger David Dao being physically removed from an April 2017 flight went viral around the world. The passenger suffered a broken nose, two lost teeth and a concussion during an ordeal involving an overbooked flight.
Another incident in March involved the death of a French bulldog that died after being stowed in an overhead bin.
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.
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