Chief Financial Officer Todd
Smith and Chief Legal Officer Laura
Heltebran to depart
Matthew Knopf to join as Chief
Legal Officer and Secretary, with Eric Cabezas acting as interim Chief Financial
Officer
ATLANTA, Aug. 21,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Wheels Up Experience Inc. (NYSE:
UP) today announced two transitions on its executive leadership
team, as Chief Financial Officer Todd
Smith will be leaving the company for a new role, and Chief
Legal Officer Laura Heltebran will be departing to pursue
other opportunities.
Starting September 9, Matthew Knopf will be joining Wheels Up as Chief
Legal Officer and Secretary, with Eric
Cabezas acting as interim Chief Financial Officer while a
search is conducted for Smith's replacement.
Knopf has served as Senior Vice President and Deputy General
Counsel at Delta Air Lines since 2015, leading the Corporate
Transactions, Aircraft Transactions & Finance, SEC &
Corporate Governance and Corporate Real Estate legal
teams.
"Over the last nine years, Matthew has played a pivotal
leadership role in the completion of Delta's many significant
transactions and key joint venture restructurings, while serving as
Deputy General Counsel," said Wheels Up Chief Executive Officer
George Mattson. "His impressive
breadth of experience built during his over 35-year legal career,
along with his deep knowledge of the industry and our company, will
undoubtedly ensure a seamless transition as Matthew assumes his new
role. We're thrilled to welcome him to the team."
Cabezas joined Wheels Up in 2019 and previously acted as interim
CFO during a period of transition for the company. In his role as
SVP of Finance, Cabezas is responsible for providing key financial
support to Wheels Up's commercial, operational and functional
teams. He was also instrumental in the process of securing the
company's 2023 capital investment.
"As we conduct our search for Todd's replacement, we would like
to thank Eric for stepping into the role of interim CFO for the
second time in his tenure at Wheels Up," said Mattson. "I have
worked extensively with Eric and have every confidence in his
ability to lead our finance team as we continue down the path to
becoming a profitable and resilient business."
Mattson continued, "Todd and Laura were valued members of the
executive leadership team who both made critical contributions
during their time here. I wish them both the best in their future
endeavors."
About Wheels Up
Wheels Up is a leading provider of
on-demand private aviation and one of the largest companies in the
industry. Wheels Up offers a complete global aviation solution with
a large and diverse fleet and a global network of safety-vetted
charter operators, all backed by an uncompromising commitment to
safety and service. Customers can access charter and membership
programs, as well as unique commercial travel benefits through a
one-of-a-kind, strategic partnership with Delta Air Lines. Wheels
Up also offers cargo, safety and security solutions and managed
services to individuals, industry, government and civil
organizations.
Wheels Up is guided by the mission to deliver a premium solution
for every customer journey. With the Wheels Up mobile app and
website, members and customers have the digital convenience to
search, book and fly.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking
Statements
This press release contains certain
"forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal
securities laws. Forward-looking statements are predictions,
projections and other statements about future events that are based
on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are
subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and
other important factors, many of which are outside of the control
of Wheels Up Experience Inc. ("Wheels Up"). These forward-looking
statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding
the expected impact and timing of certain personnel transitions.
The words "anticipate," "continue," "could," "expect," "plan,"
"potential," "should," "would," "pursue" and similar expressions,
may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these
words does not mean that statement is not forward-looking. Factors
that could cause actual results to differ materially from those
expressed or implied in forward-looking statements can be found in
Wheels Up's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2023 filed with the U.S. Securities and
Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on March 7,
2024 and Wheels Up's other filings with the SEC from time to
time. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any
forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made.
Except as required by law, Wheels Up does not intend to update any
of these forward-looking statements after the date of this press
release.
For more information, please visit: wheelsup.com
Contacts
Investors:
ir@wheelsup.com
Media:
press@wheelsup.com
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SOURCE Wheels Up
