James Olson, VP of global corporate communications at Starbucks, has booked a flight to United Airlines, where he'll take the SVP of corporate comms. slot in Chicago.

Steve OlsonSteve Olson

Olson takes the reins on Feb. 1 following the exit of Irene Foxhall, who left the carrier with scandal-plagued CEO Jeff Smisek in September.

Olson earned his airline PR stripes as VP-corporate comms. at US Airways.