United Airlines CEO Oscar Munoz Hospitalized After Heart Attack

Patrick Clarke
by Patrick Clarke
Last updated: 3:00 PM ET, Fri October 16, 2015

United Airlines president and CEO Oscar Munoz has been hospitalized in Chicago after suffering a heart attack Thursday, Dow Jones reported via CNBC.

The airline confirmed Munoz's medical emergency in a statement Friday.

"We have been informed by Oscar's family that he was admitted to the hospital on Thursday and we will provide further details as appropriate," the Chicago-based carrier said. "In the meantime, we are continuing to operate normally."

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and we are respecting their privacy."

Citing sources close to the situation, the Dow Jones report said United leadership is waiting to assess the severity of the attack before determining whether an interim CEO is needed.

Munoz was appointed to president and CEO of United last month, replacing Jeff Smisek.

CNBC reported Munoz planned to meet with staff to explore ways the airline could improve operations and customer service, according to a recent letter obtained shortly after his appointment.

Prior to taking the helm at United, Munoz spent several years on the United Continental Holdings Board of Directors. He also served as president and COO of the CSX Corporation following roles with AT&T, Coca-Cola and PepsiCo.


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Patrick Clarke

Patrick Clarke

Senior Editor

A Maryland native and wanderer who has lived across the U.S. from North Carolina to SoCal, Patrick Clarke graduated from Towson University with a B.S. in journalism. He previously worked for Bleacher

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