JOHN C. SLATER
Hideout,UT
Summary
Innovative travel-industry executive with a 40-year record leading large, complex, business divisions. Known for transforming performance, elevating customer and employee experience, and driving operational reliability at global scale. Expert at unifying cross-functional teams, modernizing processes, and building cultures of accountability and trust. Deep experience across inflight operations, hub operations, global sales, distribution, and enterprise-level change leadership.
Overview
42
42
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Vice President, Inflight Services & Catering Operations
United Airlines
Chicago, IL
01.2018 - 01.2025
- Led one of the world’s largest frontline workforces: 28,000 flight attendants and 1,000 leaders, accountable for safety, service delivery, training, manpower planning, crew scheduling, and global catering operations.
- Directed a $2.6B operating and manpower budget with full accountability for cost, performance, and service outcomes.
- Modernized inflight operations, elevating consistency, safety, and brand delivery across a global network.
- Oversaw global catering operations across 140 kitchens, ensuring food safety, vendor performance, and cost efficiency.
- Strengthened culture and engagement across a large unionized workforce through transparent communication and leadership development.
Vice President, Chicago Hub Operations
United Airlines
Chicago, IL
01.2015 - 01.2018
- Leader of United’s flagship hub with 550 daily departures and 5000 employees across customer service, ground operations, and administrative functions.
- Directed all hub strategy, operational planning, and day-of-operations performance.
- Partnered with FAA, TSA, CBP, city aviation authorities, and internal operations groups to ensure safety and regulatory compliance.
Vice President, Sales & Distribution – Americas
United Airlines
01.2010 - 01.2015
- Led a 500-person commercial organization and an $18B revenue portfolio across the U.S., Canada, and Latin America.
- Built and executed United’s commercial sales and distribution strategy for the Americas.
- Delivered market share and premium revenue growth across corporate, agency, leisure, government, and SME segments.
- Oversaw corporate discounting, distributor compensation, and joint venture commercial strategy.
- Chaired the Atlantic Joint Venture Sales Board and Distribution Steering Committee.
Staff Vice President, Sales – Latin America & Caribbean
Continental Airlines
Houston / Cleveland, TX / OH
01.2007 - 01.2010
- Led a 200-person team and $2.5B revenue portfolio across the region.
Managing Director, Distribution & E-Commerce
Continental Airlines
Houston / Cleveland, TX / OH
01.2002 - 01.2007
- Owned global distribution strategy and Continental.com, driving $3.5B in annual online sales and increasing digital revenue by $1.7B from 2004-2007.
Senior Director of Sales – Midwest Division
Continental Airlines
Houston / Cleveland, TX / OH
01.1997 - 01.2002
- Led a 35-person team managing $750M in corporate and agency sales.
Global Account Manager
Continental Airlines
Houston / Cleveland, TX / OH
01.1994 - 01.1997
- Managed Fortune 500 accounts including Accenture, BP, GE, PWC, and Merrill Lynch, representing $250M in annual revenue.
Earlier Roles
People Express / Continental Airlines
Newark, NJ
09.1982 - 10.1994
- District Sales Manager
- General Manager
- System Operations Controller
- Customer Service Manager
- Merchant Marine (U.S. Steel)
Education
High School Diploma -
Tallmadge High School
Tallmadge, OH05-1978
Skills
Leadership Development
Change Management
Employee Culture & Engagement
Communications
Strategic Planning
Business Development
Contract Negotiations
Creativity & Innovation
Affiliations
- O’Hare Airline Management Association – Executive Co-chair
- Global Business Travel Association – Foundation Board
- Airline Reporting Corporation – Board Member
- Rock & Roll Hall of Fame – Board Member
- Cleveland Convention & Visitors Bureau – Board Member
- Urban League of Greater Cleveland – Board Member
Timeline
Senior Vice President, Inflight Services & Catering Operations
United Airlines
01.2018 - 01.2025
Vice President, Chicago Hub Operations
United Airlines
01.2015 - 01.2018
Vice President, Sales & Distribution – Americas
United Airlines
01.2010 - 01.2015
Staff Vice President, Sales – Latin America & Caribbean
Continental Airlines
01.2007 - 01.2010
Managing Director, Distribution & E-Commerce
Continental Airlines
01.2002 - 01.2007
Senior Director of Sales – Midwest Division
Continental Airlines
01.1997 - 01.2002
Global Account Manager
Continental Airlines
01.1994 - 01.1997
Earlier Roles
People Express / Continental Airlines
09.1982 - 10.1994
High School Diploma -
Tallmadge High School
Core Strengths
- Large-Scale Workforce Leadership
- Organizational Culture
- Communications
- Customer Experience
- Labor Relations
- Commercial Strategy