United Air, doctors say CEO recovering well after heart transplant

“General Counsel Brett Hart has stepped in to take the reins for now, ” Corridore wrote in an investors note, “but we hope UAL will outline some succession planning soon”.

The doctor who transplanted a heart into United Airlines CEO Oscar Munoz says the heart is functioning well and he is optimistic about a full recovery.

United said the transplant was the preferred method of treatment and not a setback for Munoz, who has been on medical leave since suffering a heart attack in October.

“Given Mr. Munoz’s excellent physical condition and the rapid pace of his recovery prior to the transplant, we expect a quick recovery and a return to his duties as CEO”, said Patrick M. McCarthy, MD, Chief of Cardiac Surgery for Northwestern Medicine. However, United said on Wednesday Munoz now will come back to the company at the end of the first quarter or the beginning of the second quarter.

Before falling ill, Munoz had promised to improve customer relations at United. We will, of course, be monitoring Oscar’s progress closely and both his and the board’s focus will be on the best interests of our shareholders. Since then he has been on medical leave.

The CEO of United Airlines has a new heart.

United Continental shares fell $2.57, or 4.7 percent, to close at $52.63 amid a broader market decline.

Waiting times for a new heart also vary widely. Munoz had previously worked at AT&T, Coca-Cola and PepsiCo and served on the boards of Continental Airlines and, after their 2010 merger, United Continental Holdings Inc.

Munoz must work for at least six months this year to get the $10.5 million in long-term incentives for 2016, according to the agreement.