United Airlines has appointed Karolien De Hertogh as Director Sales U.K. and Ireland, effective 15 February 2023. De Hertogh brings more than 15 years of industry experience to her new role, taking over from Bob Schumacher.
De Hertogh, who will report to Managing Director International Sales, Marcel Fuchs, will be responsible for spearheading United’s overall sales strategy in the U.K. and Ireland. Her appointment comes at a time of further expansion in both the U.K. and Ireland this year, with the introduction of an additional second daily flight between London Heathrow and Los Angeles, starting 26 March 2023, increasing the number of daily services between London Heathrow and the U.S. to 23. United is also scheduled to introduce a new daily nonstop seasonal service between Shannon Airport and its hometown hub at Chicago O’Hare, starting 26 May 2023, as well as a second daily flight from Dublin to New York/Newark for the summer season, commencing 23 April 2023.
“With over 15 years’ experience in the aviation business, Karolien has been at the forefront of change and brings great strength and expertise to our team as we build on our success in the U.K. and Ireland,” said Marcel Fuchs, United’s Managing Director International Sales. “Karolien has an impressive track record and a sharp focus on driving the business forward. I know she will continue to work closely with the travel community as we enhance the United travel experience for all our customers.”
Fuchs added, “The whole United family wishes Bob Schumacher the very best after a highly successful career at United spanning almost 30 years.”
Having originally joined United in 2007 as Regional Sales Manager for the U.K., Ireland and Belgium, De Hertogh was subsequently appointed as Head of Corporate Sales, U.K. with responsibility for managing corporate business throughout the country. Prior to joining United, De Hertogh had already gained a wide and diverse range of experience within the aviation industry, initially working in both airline reservations and as an airport-based customer services agent, and latterly with British Midland International as Sales Manager for Belgium and Luxembourg, and subsequently as General Manager U.K. and Ireland with responsibility for commercial strategy.
De Hertogh holds a Master’s degree in Roman Philology (French and Spanish) and a Postgraduate in Economics and International Law from Salamanca University.
