United Airlines is broadening the experience of its board of directors with the addition of Michelle Freyre. Freyre currently serves as president of global brands, at Clinique and Origins (both Estée Lauder beauty companies), where she is responsible for guiding the brands’ overall strategic vision and driving global growth.
“Michelle’s extensive experience in business and product strategy will make her an excellent addition to our already strong board of directors,” said Scott Kirby, CEO of United. “In each of her previous roles, Michelle has deftly balanced modernising and celebrating the historic brands she has overseen.”
Freyre has a track record of leading influential brands and has been recognised by Fortune, Bloomberg, and the Association of Latino Professionals For America as one of America’s ‘Most Powerful Latinas in Business’. As head of Clinique and Origins, Freyre has led brand initiatives to reach new consumers across different generations, while preserving the iconic essence of the brands.
“We are excited to welcome Michelle to the board of directors and look forward to the valuable insight and experience she will bring to United,” said Ted Philip, chairman of the airline’s board of directors. “For the last two decades, Michelle has guided some of the most prominent brands in corporate America, and her sophisticated understanding of large brands to serve the needs of customers is valuable experience that will benefit United and our board of directors.”
Prior to joining Estée Lauder, Freyre spent 20 years at Johnson & Johnson in various roles across marketing and sales, including as president for US Beauty at J&J’s Consumer Health Products division. Prior to that, she held brand marketing positions with companies including Pepsi-Cola Company. She grew up in Puerto Rico and holds a B.A. from Yale University and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
“I am honoured to join the board of directors at United Airlines and contribute my brand-building experience, global perspectives and passion for serving discerning consumers to such an iconic, transformative and prominent brand,” said Michelle Freyre. “As someone who is focused on a consumer-centric approach, I admire the elevated experience United Airlines offers to its consumers around the world. Furthermore, I am humbled to have this opportunity to represent my Latina community.”
Freyre will join another newcomer to the United board of directors, Rosalind Brewer, who was added in February. Brewer also serves as special advisor to Walgreens Boots Alliance, and previously served as CEO and director of Walgreens Boots Alliance, as well as COO and group president at Starbucks after serving as president and CEO of Sam’s Club.
The board seats became available as James Kennedy and Carolyn Corvi did not stand for re-election this year.
