United appoints John Rainey new CFO

CHICAGO, Ill. - United Continental Holdings, Inc. today announced that John Rainey has been named executive vice president and chief financial officer, succeeding Zane Rowe.

In his new position, Rainey is responsible for the overall financial operations of the holding company and its operating subsidiaries, including corporate finance, treasury, financial planning and analysis, tax, accounting, investor relations, fleet, procurement, internal audit and risk management. Rowe is leaving United to take a non-financial position at Apple Inc.

“While we are sorry Zane has decided to leave, we are excited to have such a talented executive as John Rainey become our chief financial officer,” said President and CEO Jeff Smisek. “John has the experience, intellect and skills to be a superb CFO, and my entire team looks forward to working together with him in his new role."

Rainey most recently has been senior vice president of financial planning and analysis for United. He previously served as vice president of financial planning and analysis for Continental Airlines from 2005 to 2010 and joined the company in 1997. Prior to joining Continental, Rainey worked at Ernst & Young LLP. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and master’s in business administration from Baylor University.