United Continental Holdings, Inc. has announced that Oscar Munoz will be the company's new CEO and Henry L. Meyer III, the highest independent director in United, is appointed as the non-executive chairman of the board of directors, according to a press release issued by United Airlines.
The changes follow Jeff Smisek's resignation as chairman, president and CEO of the company over the corruption investigation.
Munoz, who recently served as president and COO of CSX Corporation, brings to United Airlines a deep and broad experience in the transportation industry and consumer brands, according to the press release.
He has experience working at AT&T, Pepsico, and The Coca-Cola Company.
Meyer, the new non-executive chairman, said in the press release that he is "honored to have been elected non-executive chairman."
"United is well positioned to continue executing on its strategic plan to further improve performance and the value and service it provides to its customers," he said. "The board thanks Jeff for his service to both United Airlines and Continental Airlines."
United Airlines also said in the press release that Nene Foxhall, executive vice president of communications, and Mark R. Anderson, government affairs and its senior vice president of corporate and government affairs, have also resigned from their posts.
The resignations are connected to the company's previously disclosed internal investigation that is related to the federal investigation associated with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
The New York Times reported that the airline company has been under investigation by the U.S. attorney in New Jersey.
The company is being investigated whether it had improperly sought to influence the senior officials at the Port Authority.
The New York Times adds that prosecutors had issued subpoenas in February that is focused on whether David Samson, the former chairman of Port Authority, had pushed United Airlines to reinstate flights that he used.
The flights were used to travel to and from his weekend home in South Carolina.
The New York Times also mentioned that United Airlines has asked the law firm Jenner & Block, several months ago, to conduct an internal investigation regarding the airline's dealings with Port Authority.
The communications of Foxhall and Anderson to Port Authority were among those that were subpoenaed.
The changes in the posts are effective immediately, according to the press release.
