New UAL Chief from Hawaii

Hawaii United exec
takes Chicago post

He will handle customer service
planning for the carrier's
international division

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By Dave Segal
dsegal@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Tom Renville, the top United Airlines executive in Hawaii, has accepted a position with the Chicago-based parent that will put him in charge of customer service planning in the international division.

Renville, who had been managing director, began his new role Sept. 16. He replaced a 38-year retiring employee, Curt Sechler, whose last day is tomorrow. Renville was en route from Chicago to Hawaii today and unavailable for comment.

"It's a personnel move and won't have any effect on our operations and or commitment to serve the Hawaiian islands," United spokesman Joe Hopkins said. "In terms of our operations and the number of flights, it has no impact. Our commitment to Hawaii is as strong as ever."

United operates 19 daily flights to Hawaii and has about 1,200 employees statewide.

Renville had been in his Hawaii post less than two years after previously serving as United's general manager of customer service in Denver. Renville replaced Norm Reeder, who retired in June 2001 after six years as managing director in Hawaii and 35 years with the airline. Renville joined United in 1995.

Hopkins said Renville's move wasn't related to the company's ongoing restructuring that the airline hopes will keep it out of bankruptcy. "It's more related to an opportunity that presented itself and Tom took advantage of it," Hopkins said.

Mike Navares, United's general manager for customer service in Honolulu, now will take over operational duties for the carrier in Honolulu as well as the Big Island, Kauai and Maui.

Hopkins said Navares, who has been with the company since 1978, will get a new title but it hasn't been determined yet.

Hopkins also said Navares will take over Renville's positions on the board of the Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau and the Hawaii Chamber of Commerce. Navares also is involved with the Hawaii Foodbank.

United's three-member local sales staff will be relocated to the Honolulu reservations office and will report to a regional sales manager in Los Angeles.