United Airlines is hoping to curry favor with the Trump administration after making a significant new hire.
It has appointed Terri Fariello as head of government affairs to lead its lobbying efforts in Washington DC, effective from August 14.
Fariello has clout among political circles after heading lobbying efforts for Exxon Mobil Corp for many years.
Fariello’s former boss happens to be current State Department secretary Rex Tillerson.
"In addition to her vast experience working with all levels of government in a variety of settings, Terri brings deep expertise from another highly regulated industry," said Brett Hart, United’s executive vice president and chief administrative officer.
Fariello is a fomer political aide and has previously worked for the Energy Department and Occidental Petroleum Corp.
United had been in the market for a top lobbyist ever since Mark Anderson stepped down nearly two years ago in the wake of the ‘chairman’s flight’ scandal which saw CEO Jeff Smisek lose his job.
"Terri has established a sterling reputation at the highest levels of government and industry over the course of her impressive career. Her breadth of experience and depth of knowledge in working in these key areas of government and the intersection of the private and public sector will make her an invaluable asset," United CEO Oscar Munoz said.
