Leadership in the C-Suite: United CEO Scott Kirby on culture, innovation, and leading a century-old company through transformation

In an era defined by disruption, technological change, and rising expectations for leadership, what does it take to build an organization that not only succeeds but endures?

As CEO of United Airlines, Scott Kirby leads one of the world's largest and most visible enterprises, where long-term strategy, operational excellence, culture, and customer expectations converge every day. In this candid conversation with Dean Dayle Smith, Kirby will reflect on the decisions that shaped his leadership philosophy, the value of investing in the customer experience, and what it takes to keep large organizations resilient amid constant change.

From AI and analytics to talent, trust, and growth, this discussion will explore the opportunities and challenges shaping today's business landscape and the leadership lessons that matter most for the next generation.

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Co-sponsored by Accounting Society, Business Law Society, Delta Sigma Pi, Entrepreneurship Society, Finance Society, Latinx Business Association, Marketing Society, and Real Estate Society.

Scott Kirby Bio

Scott Kirby brings more than three decades of leadership experience in the airline industry. Before becoming CEO of United Airlines, he served as the company’s president from 2016 to 2020, overseeing operations, marketing, sales, alliances, network planning, and revenue management. As CEO, he has helped lead the world’s largest airline through a significant cultural transformation and period of strategic growth.

Before joining United, Kirby served as president of American Airlines and US Airways. He began his career at the Pentagon and in the technology sector and holds degrees from the U.S. Air Force Academy and George Washington University. He also serves on the International Air Transport Association Board of Governors and chairs the Star Alliance Chief Executive Board.