New Position Will Oversee Strategic Vision For San Francisco And Los Angeles Hubs

United Airlines (UAL) has announced the appointment of Janet Lamkin as president, California. She comes to United from Bank of America, where she most recently served as president, California.

In this role, the top market leadership position for United in California, Lamkin will be responsible for the promotion of United's brand within California, home to the carrier's San Francisco and Los Angeles hubs. This includes setting the vision for the company in the region, working closely with marketing, sales and government affairs, as well as with local airport authorities, to lead United's strategy to be the area's top carrier. Lamkin will start at United at the end of this month, reporting to Scott Kirby, president of United.

"As we accelerate our efforts to be the best airline for our customers, Janet will be instrumental in helping us deliver on our commitments to our customers in San Francisco and Los Angeles, two hubs that are key to our network strategy," said Scott Kirby, president of United. "Janet's expertise in forming relationships with customers, corporate clients and civic organizations will prove invaluable to United."

At Bank of America, Lamkin was responsible for growing the business and strategically positioning the bank in California, including developing and maintaining relationships and initiatives with a broad range of stakeholders in the corporate, government, philanthropic and grassroots sectors. She spent 20 years with Bank of America in California, serving in a variety of management positions. She left the bank in 2005 to become president and chief executive officer of the California Bankers Association, and returned in June 2007 to assume her current role.

She is a member of the University of California President's Advisory Board and recently concluded a two-year term as Chair of the Bay Area Council, where she was the first woman to hold that post. She has been named one of the 100 Most Influential Businesswomen in the Bay Area by the San Francisco Business Times for seven consecutive years.

"It's an exciting time to join United, especially as the airline continues to demonstrate innovation and growth on the West Coast with ultra long-haul flights, new destinations served and upgraded airport facilities," said Janet Lamkin. "As someone who has called California home for a long time, I'm excited about the potential and opportunities for United in San Francisco and Los Angeles."

Lamkin joins Jill Kaplan, who was announced last month to lead efforts in New York/New Jersey, as the airline's second regional president.

(Image provided with United Airlines news release)

FMI: www.united.com