On February 19, United Airlines, announced several executive appointments that leverage the experience of the operational leadership team to continue to drive improvements in customer service, reliability and operational performance.

Alexandria P. Marren, vice president operational services, United Express and Ted, was named vice president of Onboard Service. There, she will oversee the company's worldwide flight attendant operations; food and beverage service design and operations; and flight attendant and pilot crew hotel accommodations. Marren has been with United since 1987, and has held numerous management and leadership positions, including vice president of Airport Operations-East, where she was responsible for United's eastern most airport operations in the North America and the Caribbean. She succeeds Charlie Ahmes, who after 40 years with United, is retiring April 1, having held a variety of senior positions within the onboard division and most recently led the transformation of the onboard headquarters and field organizations to enable employees to focus on service delivery. Marren will report to Sean Donohue, senior vice president of Flight Operations and Onboard Service.

"We look forward to Alex building on the work Charlie and his team have done to lead our world-class safety and service professionals. She has a tremendous understanding of our operation and of the importance of delivering an experience that our customers expect," said Pete McDonald, executive vice president and chief operating officer. "We thank Charlie for his thoughtful leadership and service and wish him well in his retirement."

United also announced the appointment of Cynthia Szadokierski, a 23-year United veteran, as vice president operational services, United Express and Ted. Szadokierski most recently was vice president of Airport Operations-O'Hare, overseeing operational performance, customer processing, baggage handling and ramp operations at the company's largest hub. In her new role, Szadokierski will oversee United Express, United's US$3 billion regional affiliate operation, and direct United's day-to-day operations, including systems operation control, flight dispatch and operations analysis. She will report to Pete McDonald.

The company named Terry Brady vice president of O'Hare. Brady has 13 years with United, and most recently was the general manager of the company's hub in Washington Dulles, which has grown into one of United's international gateways, adding significant new service, including most recently its new Beijing route. He will report to Scott Dolan, senior vice president-Airport Operations and Cargo.

Succeeding Brady is Sherri Kawell, who was named general manager-Dulles. Kawell most recently was managing director of ramp operations planning after several years managing United's customer service and ramp operations at O'Hare. She will report to Joanne Calabrese, vice president of Airport Operations - Hubs.

"Alex, Cindy, Terry and Sherri all bring years of operations experience to their positions and a strong commitment to our customers and employees," says McDonald. "We have an excellent team in place to continue to improve our operational performance, and deliver service and reliability that is among the best in the industry."

"We have a very strong management team that is delivering results for our customers, employees and investors," says Glenn Tilton, United chairman, president and CEO. "We have continued to promote and add new talent, ensuring that we have the right leaders in the right places to make progress and drive performance quarter after quarter."