NEW YORK, Aug. 5, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Wheels
Up (NYSE: UP), the leading brand in private
aviation, today announced the appointment of Gene McKenna as Chief Product
Officer. The position will play a critical role as the
company continues to build out its Marketplace platform to become
the leading demand generator in the
industry. McKenna will oversee the
entire Product portfolio - developing and
driving the vision, roadmap and strategy to
accelerate the company's growth.
McKenna joins Wheels Up with 18 years of product
management experience and a decade of software engineering
experience. During his career, he founded and sold two internet
companies in the events and travel
industries, and has held leadership positions at
large corporations, including Acxiom Digital and
Groupon. McKenna has a strong record of delivering designs
which drive customer growth through marketing and data
analytics.
"Gene has the background and experience we
need to deliver a leading-edge marketplace platform to private
aviation," said Vinayak
Hegde, Chief Marketplace Officer, "As we accelerate
our investment in technology and product offerings, Gene's
passion for innovation and commitment to building a world-class
product for our Members and Customers is
unparalleled."
The appointment of McKenna is the latest in a string
of corporate developments as the Company builds out its
leadership team and strategies to support the continued global
demand for private aviation. On July
15, 2021 Wheels Up became the first private aviation
company listed on the NYSE.
McKenna holds degrees from MIT
and Stanford University, where he focused on computer
science, human computer interaction and
real-world applications of technology in traditional
business and academic settings.
About Wheels Up
Wheels Up, the leading brand in private aviation, is the only
company in the industry to offer a total private aviation solution
that includes world-class safety, service, and flexibility through
on-demand flights, membership programs, corporate solutions,
aircraft management, whole aircraft sales, and commercial travel
benefits through a strategic partnership with Delta Air Lines.
Wheels Up, which was founded and is led by renowned
entrepreneur Kenny Dichter, is uniquely positioned to offer
its Customers and Members access to over 1,500 safety-vetted and
verified aircraft.
Through the Wheels Up App anyone can search, book, and fly.
Wheels Up Connect, Core, and Business memberships provide
enhancements such as flight sharing, empty-leg Hot Flights, Shuttle
Flights, Shared Flights, signature Wheels Down events, and
exclusive member benefits from preeminent lifestyle brands. The
Company's ongoing Wheels Up Cares program aligns with philanthropic
organizations and initiatives that affect and matter to the Company
and its Customers, Members, stakeholders, families, and
friends. The Wheels Up Cares fleet is comprised of five custom
painted Beechcraft King Air 350i aircraft; each plane serves as a
flying symbol for a specific cause.
For more information on wheels up go to www.wheelsup.com
Contact: | James Martin |
Jmartin@Kivvit.com | 201-663-5746
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SOURCE Wheels Up