'I feel as strong as ever', says Oscar Munoz, United Continental Holdings' chief executive, on Friday. After spending nine days following a surprise heart-transplant operation at Chicago's Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Mr. Munoz said that he is proceeding well and is leaving the hospital to go to his Chicago home. Munoz said that he feels great and it won't be long before we are working side by side again.
Mr. Munoz was stuck with a heart attack in October, just six weeks after taking the top job at the nation's No. 3 carrier by traffic. Earlier, it was expected that Mr. Munoz will return from medical leave sometime in the current quarter. But, due to surprise heart transplant operation last week, Mr. Munoz said that he will extend his medical leave and is expected to return back at work by the starting of the second quarter.
Chicago-based United is being led in the interim by former general counsel Brett Hart, who is acting CEO. In an employee letter sent by Mr. Munoz on Friday, a photo has also been set of Mr. Munoz with two members of his medical team at Chicago's Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where he underwent the surgery after being treated there for the heart attack.
Mr. Munoz was wearing a dress shirt and sport coat and was smiling widely, flanked by two transplant doctors in white coats. According to sources, this is the first photo released of him after the investors were concerned about his returning to work.
In a letter, Mr. Munoz said that the doctors at the hospital were impressed with his speedy recovery and foresee a quick recovery. Mr. Munoz said that he expects to participate in key meetings and be involved in strategic planning, till I fully return to his job.
He added that he has confidence United can become a great airline for customers and a cherished place to work. On having a look at the professional life of Mr. Munoz, the CEO outlined a new strategy to improve employee morale, customer service and punctuality.
In Munoz’s absence, the airline has pursued the agenda he outlined in his month on the job. It struck tentative contract deals to rebuild workers’ morale and improved on-time performance to boost customer satisfaction, lowest among rivals in J.D. Power’s 2015 ranking.
For months, United has aimed to allay concern that management shake-ups had left an inexperienced team of executives running its business.
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