United announced today that Larry De Shon will leave the Onboard Service to head up Airport Operations.  Here is his letter that was published in Onboard Updates:

I am writing to you today with mixed emotions.  To build his leadership team, Pete McDonald, our executive vice president-Operations, has asked me to take on the role of senior vice president-Airport Operations. It is a wonderful opportunity for me to take on such a challenging role, but it will once again mean my departure from this division which I care for so deeply. You are a unique group of individuals who have proven time and again your dedication to the safety and service of our customers and each other.

My replacement as senior vice president-Onboard Service is Patti Carson, currently vice president-Human Resources. I congratulate Patti and wish her much success in her new position. Patti is not a stranger to Onboard Service as she began her career as a flight attendant. She has also held supervisory, marketing and training positions in the division.  In addition, she has held management positions in Human Resources, including Flight Operations, Fleet Operations and North America. She served most recently as vice president-Human Resources.

She is indeed fortunate to have the privilege of working with the finest flight attendants in the airline industry. Certainly that is how I have regarded my brief tenure in the position.  I have delighted in my time with you and found the experience one I will never forget. For all we have been through, the division has remained strong and dedicated to the goal of making United better and stronger than ever before.

Personally, I have enjoyed my many opportunities to personally meet so many of you during my domicile visits, at charity and recognition events, Cabin Defense Security Training, purser meetings and seminars, and flying with you. I have genuinely appreciated your candor with me, and I ask that you continue in honest communication with Patti. I look forward to my continued encounters and trips with you, and I wish you continued successes both personally and professionally.

Thank you.

Larry De Shon

Strange that he was only in the job for such a short time.  My impression (and, of course, I could be wrong because I never met him) was that he did a far superior job than his predecessor.  It also seems ironic that someone who states that he cares "so deeply" for Onboard Service, would once again leave it altogether.

Yet another company change; which seems to be about the only sure constant in this industry.