Originally Posted by
Bobine
It's interesting how there are a lot of people down on Mr. Smisek. It seem to me that just before the merger there were a lot more people that would have sold their souls to get rid of Mr. Tilton. Many of which were saying "we just want your management". Mr. Smisek was the CEO for a few month at CAL before the merger. I think the person most people wanted was Bethune. He was gone, so be carful what you wish for.
I've been following or working in the industry since the mid-1960's and child-like whining about the guy(s) at the top is pretty standard. The managerial "grass" is always greener elsewhere.
The only exception I've observed over the last 46 years was the tenure of Gordon Bethune and Greg Brenneman at LCAL. However, even with a couple of the best there were still detractors who would occasionally surface. It's the "norm" for the industry.
This United thing sort of does take it to a new level relative to everyone else. I would surmise that even if Herb Kelleher (LUV), Gordon Bethune (CAL), and Greg Brenneman (CAL) were all "tag-teaming" at the top of the new United, there would still be individuals whining about it somewhere in the United system.