United Airlines Appoints Acting CFO

United Airlines has appointed Gerald (Gerry) Laderman as Acting Chief Financial Officer.

He succeeds John Rainey, who has resigned to become Chief Financial Officer at PayPal Holdings, Inc. Laderman, who has held legal and financial positions of increasing responsibility at the company for 27 years, will be responsible for the overall financial operations of the company, including corporate finance, treasury, financial planning and analysis, tax, accounting, investor relations, fleet, procurement, internal audit and risk management.

"Gerry’s financial leadership and deep experience in airline finance are well known on Wall Street, and his significant role in developing and executing United’s strategic and financial plans has proved invaluable over the years. He is well suited to serve in this new role,” said Chairman, President and CEO Jeff Smisek. “John’s work as CFO has built a solid financial foundation for United, helping position us well for the future. We wish him the very best in his new job.”

Laderman most recently has been senior vice president of finance, procurement and treasurer. While in this role, Laderman has done groundbreaking work in aircraft financing, including leading the development of innovative debt structures, which have significantly lowered the cost of capital for the airline. Laderman has also led initiatives to maintain financial stability for the company during the turbulent times the airline industry has faced in the past.

He previously served as vice president of finance and treasurer for Continental Airlines from 2001 to 2010 and joined the company in 1988. Prior to joining Continental, Laderman practiced law at the New York firm of Hughes Hubbard & Reed.

Laderman holds a bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College, and a law degree from the University of Michigan.

United Airlines has said it will consider internal and external candidates before naming a permanent chief financial officer.