Derek Kerr is promoted to Executive VP and CFO at US Airways

US Airways (NYSE: LCC) has announced the promotion of Derek J. Kerr to executive vice president and chief financial officer.
Derek J. Kerr: As executive vice president and chief financial officer, Kerr is responsible for all corporate financial functions including Treasury, Accounting, Financial Planning and Analysis, Tax, Risk Management, Strategic Planning and Investor Relations. He was named senior vice president and chief financial officer in 2005 – a position he held with America West Airlines prior to the merger with US Airways. Kerr will continue to report to Parker.

Kerr recently led the process where US Airways raised or secured approximately $1.2 billion in cash and payment deferrals. The company was able to complete this financing in the midst of unprecedented global economic unrest, which reflects the confidence the airline’s investors and business partners have in the people of US Airways.

“Derek’s promotion represents the tremendous respect we have for his leadership and contributions during these volatile economic times,” said Parker. “Derek’s expertise has helped position US Airways as an industry leader ready to take on the challenges of 2009 and remain financially strong.”

Kerr’s aviation experience runs deep. He held a variety of positions with America West Airlines including senior vice president, Financial Planning & Analysis. He was previously a manager, Capital and Long-Range Planning at Northwest Airlines. And at the Northrop Corporation he was a flight test coordinator and lead engineer on a team testing the radar evasion characteristics of the B-2 bomber.

Kerr holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Michigan. He sits on the board of directors of the Phoenix Zoo and received the Arizona CFO of the Year Award in 2007.