United Airlines today named transportation industry veteran Robert S. Rivkin senior vice president and general counsel. For the last three decades, Rivkin has drawn on his exceptional legal skills while serving in leadership positions in the airline industry, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and local government. Rivkin brings this unique background and extraordinary skill set to a top role at one of the world’s leading airlines. At United, he will be responsible for all legal matters, as well as ethics, compliance, government contracting and security. Rivkin will report to Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer Brett Hart.
“Bob’s distinguished career in public service, the legal community and the airline industry make him an ideal fit for this critical role on our United team. He’s a proven leader who will make an immediate impact as we work to fulfill United’s incredible potential,” said United Airlines Chief Executive Officer Oscar Munoz.
Rivkin is no stranger to the commercial aviation industry, having served as deputy general counsel for Delta Air Lines from 2013 to 2016. Prior to joining Delta, he served as general counsel for the DOT from 2009 to 2013, where he was sworn in following a unanimous confirmation by the U.S. Senate. Currently, Rivkin serves as the deputy mayor of the City of Chicago. He has also worked in private law practice and as a federal prosecutor.
Rivkin graduated magna cum laude from Harvard College, and received a juris doctorate degree from Stanford Law School, where he was an associate editor of the Stanford Law Review. Rivkin and his wife of more than 30 years have three children. Rivkin’s last day as Chicago’s deputy mayor will be February 28, and he will start his new role at United the week of March 18.
