United Airlines has hired ex Obama administration press secretary Josh Earnest as chief communications officer.
The carrier is hoping Earnest’s pedigree will help it better navigate the scandals and public relations mishaps that have befallen the company in recent times.
Earnest replaces Jim Olson who stepped down earlier this year.
Earnest was President Barack Obama’s press secretary from 2014 to 2016.
That was a time which was relatively scandal-free, so he may well have his work cut out at United
Still, it’s a coup for United securing the services of communications professional of his caliber, who remained unfazed in the glare of the world’s media.
"Josh is a proven leader and world-class communications strategist who has thrived when the stakes are highest — and the margin for error is the smallest," United CEO Oscar Munoz said in the release.
"He’ll play a crucial role on our leadership team as we position our brand and this company for success."
"United Airlines is an iconic, global brand with a long history — but it’s United’s bright future that makes me enthusiastic about joining the team," Earnest said.
He was most recently a political analyst for NBC News and cable channel MSNBC.
Earnest will relocate to Chicago and begins at United on May 21.
