Today, United Airlines announced that Matthew Friend, Nike’s EVP and Chief Financial Officer, will join the company’s Board of Directors. Mr. Friend brings over two decades of corporate finance and strategy to United’s Board.
On Monday (December 6, 2021), United Airlines Holdings, Inc. announced the appointment of Nike’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Matthew Friend to the airline’s Board of Directors. Mr. Friend has been Nike’s EVP and CFO since March 2020 and brings over two decades of corporate finance and strategy to United’s Board. During his tenure as CFO with Nike, Friend helped steer the company through a significant business transformation. Previously, he served as CFO for Nike Operating Segments and VP of Investor Relations. He also served as CFO of Nike Brand, Global Brands & Functions, Emerging Markets, as well as VP of Corporate Strategy and Development. Mr. Friend is a member of Nike’s Executive Leadership Team and the senior management representative to the Audit & Finance Committee of Nike’s Board. Friend began his career in investment banking with Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs.
In today’s announcement, United Airlines’ CEO, Scott Kirby, said,
“As we emerge from the pandemic as a leader in the industry and stand ready to accelerate our business, United will benefit greatly from Matt's deep financial acumen and stewardship of one of the leading consumer brands on the planet. Plus, his years of global corporate experience will help inform our effort to continue to be a force for good across the country and around the world.”
United’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, Ted Philip, added,
“Any time we bring on a new board member, we're focused on adding experienced leaders with skill sets and unique perspectives that will benefit United. As the world reopens and travel demand continues to surge back, the United Board will benefit from Matt's extensive global finance, strategy and business planning skills to help guide the airline as it charts a successful future.”
Also commenting on his appointment to United’s Board, Matthew Friend, said,
“United has shown real leadership over the past 18 months and has worked to redefine itself in the eyes of its employees, customers and the communities it serves. The airline is determined to capitalize on this momentum, and I'm thrilled to join the board at this exciting time in its history.”
United Airlines’ shared purpose is “Connecting People. Uniting the World.” In 2019, United and United Express® carriers operated over 1.7 million flights carrying over 162 million guests. United Airlines operates the most comprehensive network among North American carriers with mainland U.S. hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. Shares in the company’s parent, United Airlines Holdings, Inc., are publicly traded on the NASDAQ under the symbol ‘UAL.’
Source: United Airlines/PRNewswire