J. Scott Kirby, the former second-in-command at American Airlines, will become chief executive of rival United Airlines next spring.

Kirby’s promotion at United came Thursday as the Chicago-based carrier announced Oscar Munoz is stepping down and will become executive chairman in May.

Munoz led the airline through a choppy period, and in 2017 gave up his bonus after the forcible removal of a ticketed passenger led to widespread criticism. United shares are up 5% this year.

Kirby left Fort Worth-based American in 2016 in an executive shuffle that its board attributed to long-term succession planning. The former American president wasn’t out of a job for long, with United Airlines immediately announcing Kirby’s hiring.

He was replaced at American by Robert Isom.

In announcing Kirby’s ascension, Munoz praised Kirby’s leadership as he begins "the process of passing the baton to a new leader.”

“One of my goals as CEO was to put in place a successful leadership transition for United Airlines," Munoz said in a statement. “I brought Scott to United three years ago, and I am confident that there is no one in the world better equipped to lead United to even greater heights.”

Kirby has played a pivotal role in United’s cultural transformation and in executing the company’s strategic growth plan, Munoz said.

Munoz will serve as executive chairman for a year and will lead the company’s board of directors.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

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