<B> Majors Change Top Spots</B>
By Jay Campbell
American Airlines announced last week the appointment of Craig Kreeger to the position of vice president and general sales manager.
Formerly vice president of pricing, yield management and distribution, and an AA employee since 1985, Kreeger replaces Peter Bowler, who will become president of American Eagle (<I>BTN,</I> Sept. 14).
"Craig has a broad knowledge of the airline industry and understands the competitive sales environment," said Mike Gunn, AA's senior vice president of marketing. Frank Morogiello, managing director of national accounts and sales programs, will report to Kreeger.
Meanwhile, American's biggest partner and its biggest rival--British Airways and United Airlines, respectively--also made some management changes in recent weeks that will put new faces in charge of the revenue-generating functions that include relationships with corporate America.
At United, James Goodwin replaced the number two man, president and chief operating officer John Edwardson. Christopher Bowers took over for Goodwin as senior vice president-North America. Edwardson resigned when it became clear that the union leadership of the employee-owned airline would not support his succession to the top post next year when chairman and CEO Gerald Greenwald retires.
"I believe it is in everyone's best interests--our employees', the company's and mine--for me to step aside and clear the way for Gerry's eventual successor," said Edwardson. "United does not need a distracting or disruptive succession process."
In his new position, Goodwin is responsible for all of the company's operational units, including fleet and flight operations, and onboard service. In addition, he will be a member of the UAL board of directors.
Goodwin has been senior vice president-North America since 1995. Previously, he was senior vice president-international and senior vice president-maintenance operations. He joined United in 1967 and held a variety of managerial positions in finance, marketing, operations and reservations.
Bowers, who most recently held primary responsibility for United's three international operational regions--the Atlantic, Pacific and Latin America--will supervise all North American passenger operations, including customer service and revenue-generating activities such as sales, reservations and city ticket offices.
Judy Bishop, the airline's vice president-North America sales, will report to Bowers, as will United's four regional vice presidents handling sales. Director of business markets Joe Laughlin, responsible for the airline's corporate accounts, continues to report to Bishop.
At British Airways, Dale Moss, executive vice president of sales and marketing for the USA, will take over the carrier's worldwide sales operation at the end of October from Peter White, who is retiring. Moss will be based at the carrier's London headquarters.
"We are fortunate to have someone of Dale Moss' caliber to replace Peter White," said Bob Ayling, British Airways' chief executive. "Together with his energy and commitment, Dale will bring an international perspective to the airline's executive team."
Moss has held his present position since February 1994. Previously, he was senior vice president of sales, after a four-year stint at Rosenbluth International that followed 19 years in a variety of sales and marketing positions at BA beginning in 1970.
A BA spokesman said last Monday he had "no idea" when there would be a replacement announced for Moss in the United States. Chances are, that person would work quite closely with his or her yet-to-be-named colleague at American Airlines.