United Airlines Appoints Michael Leskinen as New Chief Financial Officer
United Airlines announced on September 22, 2023, the elevation of Michael Leskinen to the position of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Executive Vice President.
United Airlines Appoints Michael Leskinen as New Chief Financial Officer
United Airlines announced on September 22, 2023, the elevation of Michael Leskinen to the position of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Executive Vice President. With this promotion, Leskinen will join the airline's Executive Team, further solidifying his role in the company's leadership.
Leskinen will be responsible for a broad spectrum of financial operations in his new capacity, including corporate finance, treasury, financial planning and analysis, tax, accounting, investor relations, procurement, internal audit, risk management, and corporate strategy.
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Having spent two decades on Wall Street and five years in a pivotal finance role at United, Leskinen possesses a blend of expertise in public markets and a deep comprehension of the aviation sector. United CEO Scott Kirby expressed confidence in Leskinen's capabilities, emphasizing his unique perspective that will be instrumental in shaping the airline's financial strategies. Kirby highlighted Leskinen's potential to foster a proactive and disciplined finance culture aligned with the company's "United Next" plan.
Leskinen's journey with United began in 2018 when he took on the Managing Director of Investor Relations role. His rapid ascent saw him being promoted to Vice President of Corporate Development and Investor Relations the following year. In 2021, he added another feather to his cap by becoming the President of United Airlines Ventures (UAV), a pioneering corporate venture capital fund. Under his leadership, UAV has made significant investments in technologies to decarbonize air travel and enhance passenger experience.
One of Leskinen's notable achievements at United was leading the team that secured $6.8 billion of financing through the airline's MileagePlus loyalty program in 2020. This strategic move provided United with the financial flexibility required to navigate the challenges of the pandemic. Furthermore, he was pivotal in initiating a corporate investment fund nearing $200 million, focusing on the research and production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). As of 2023, United's stock performance has outpaced other North American airlines, a testament to its robust financial strategies.
Before joining United, Leskinen held significant positions at J.P. Morgan Asset Management and Oppenheimer Funds, where he specialized in the aerospace sector. He is an alumnus of Arizona State University and holds an M.B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania.
United also mentioned that the previous CFO, Gerry Laderman, will continue as EVP Finance until his retirement in September 2024.
About United Airlines: United Airlines, headquartered in Chicago, is a beacon of excellence in the aviation industry. With significant hubs spread across the U.S., it boasts the most extensive global route network among North American airlines. It holds the title of the world's largest airline based on available seat miles. For those interested in joining the United team, visit www.united.com/careers. More details about the company can be found at www.united.com. The parent company, United Airlines Holdings, Inc., is listed on the Nasdaq with the symbol "UAL".
