Oscar Munoz, the recently hailed CEO of United Continental Holdings, had a heart attack Thursday and went under treatment in a hospital in Chicago Friday.
Munoz, 56, was named CEO of the second biggest U.S. airline on Sept. 8, 2015, after his predecessor was ousted. He focuses on fixing operational problems and labor relations, which have been issues for the company since its merger in 2010, The Wall Street Journal reported.
The CEO has since been travelling around United's offices to personally speak to employees and pledge a change in direction for the airline.
"There's no doubt that Mr. Munoz's challenges have been extraordinary. He has taken on one of the largest airlines in the world in seemingly total disarray with critical failures to address in network operations, customer service and labor relations - the list goes on," said Vicki Bryan, an analyst at Gimme Credit, The New York Times reported.
Directors are still waiting for more information on the CEO's condition and details of the heart attack. They are hoping to hear from the family within 24 hours, as they will need to appoint an interim leader.
"We have been informed by Oscar's family that he was admitted to the hospital on Thursday and we will provide further details as appropriate. In the meantime, we are continuing to operate normally. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and we are respecting their privacy," the airline said in a statement Friday, according to The International Business Times.
Shares of United fell by more than three percent shortly after the announcement.
