Post Holdings vs United Airlines: Founders, CEOs and History
Post Holdings was founded in 2012 by William P. Stiritz and is led by Nicolas Catoggio. United Airlines was founded in 1926 by Walter T. Varney, William Boeing and is led by Scott Kirby.
Company facts
Post Holdings
- Founded
- 2012
- Headquarters
- St. Louis, Missouri
- Current CEO
- Nicolas Catoggio
- Employees
- 13,180
United Airlines
- Founded
- 1926
- Headquarters
- Chicago, Illinois
- Current CEO
- Scott Kirby
- Employees
- 113,200
Founders
Post Holdings
William P. Stiritz
William P. Stiritz is the founding Chairman and CEO of the modern Post Holdings. When Ralcorp spun off its Post cereal business in February 2012, Stiritz took charge of the new company and began the acquisition strategy that later added Michael Foods and MOM B…
United Airlines
Walter T. Varney
Walter T. Varney founded Varney Air Lines, which won Contract Air Mail Route 5 and flew its first route between Pasco, Washington, and Elko, Nevada, via Boise, on April 6, 1926.
William Boeing
William Boeing formed Boeing Air Transport in 1927 to fly the Chicago-San Francisco air mail route and then, with Frederick Rentschler, created United Aircraft and Transport Corporation in 1929.
CEOs and their tenures
Post Holdings
- William P. Stiritz2012–2014
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
As the legendary Chairman and former CEO, the highly revered financial architect completely defined the company's complex, private-equity-style corporate structure.
Source - Robert V. Vitale2014–present
Executive Chairman (CEO 2014-2026)
Previously Post's CFO; from October 1, 2026 advises on capital allocation as Executive Chairman.
Source - Matthew J. Mainer2022–present
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
As CFO, he steers the company's aggressive, highly acquisitive capital allocation strategy, acting as the primary architect behind its massive M&A playbook.
Source - Nicolas Catoggio2026–present
President and Chief Executive Officer
Former Boston Consulting Group Managing Director and Senior Partner who advised Post on M&A diligence and integrations before joining.
Source
United Airlines
- Oscar Munoz2015–2020
Former CEO
Munoz handed over to Scott Kirby in May 2020 and served as executive chairman for a transition period.
Source - J. Scott Kirby2020–present
Chief Executive Officer
Under Kirby, United's revenue rose from $15.4 billion in 2020 to a record $59.1 billion in 2025, with premium cabins and MileagePlus as the main growth drivers.
Source
Timeline: Post Holdings and United Airlines side by side
1926United Airlines
Varney Air Lines begins
United traces its roots to Varney Air Lines and early air mail service.
1931United Airlines
United Air Lines organized
United Air Lines was formed to manage airline subsidiaries tied to United Aircraft and Transport.
1997United Airlines
Star Alliance founded
United became one of the founding members of Star Alliance.
2010United Airlines
Continental merger closes
UAL Corporation completed the Continental merger, later operating under the United brand.
2012Post Holdings
Post Holdings Spin-Off
Post completed its separation from Ralcorp and began trading on the NYSE.
2014Post Holdings
Michael Foods Acquisition
Post expanded into egg products and foodservice through Michael Foods.
2015Post Holdings
MOM Brands Acquisition
Post broadened its cereal portfolio with MOM Brands.
2015United Airlines
Oscar Munoz becomes CEO
Oscar Munoz became chief executive of United in September 2015.
2017Post Holdings
Weetabix Acquisition
Post added the U.K. Weetabix cereal business.
2018Post Holdings
Bob Evans Acquisition
Post expanded refrigerated retail and foodservice exposure.
2020United Airlines
Scott Kirby becomes CEO
Scott Kirby succeeded Oscar Munoz as CEO in May 2020.
2025Post Holdings
8th Avenue Acquired
Post acquired the remaining interest in 8th Avenue Food & Provisions.
2025United Airlines
Revenue reaches record level
United reported record 2025 total operating revenue of $59.1 billion.
2026Post Holdings
CEO Transition
Nicolas Catoggio became President and CEO on October 1, 2026.
2026United Airlines
Q2 2026 revenue up 16%
United reported Q2 2026 revenue of $17.7 billion and raised full-year adjusted EPS guidance to $9-$11 despite nearly $6 billion in added fuel costs.
Acquisitions
Post Holdings
- 8th Avenue Food & Provisions2025Undisclosed
- Pet Food Portfolio (J.M. Smucker)2023$1.2B
- Bob Evans Farms2018$1.5B
- Weetabix2017Undisclosed
- MOM Brands (Malt-O-Meal)2015$1.1B
- Michael Foods2014$2.5B
Questions about Post Holdings vs United Airlines
Who is the CEO of Post Holdings, Inc. and United Airlines Holdings, Inc.?
Post Holdings, Inc. is led by Nicolas Catoggio and United Airlines Holdings, Inc. is led by Scott Kirby. Both serve as the top executive responsible for the company's strategy, operations, and financial performance.
When was Post Holdings, Inc. founded vs United Airlines Holdings, Inc.?
United Airlines Holdings, Inc. was founded in 1926 — 86 years before Post Holdings, Inc., which was founded in 2012. United Airlines Holdings, Inc.'s longer operating history gives it a deeper track record but also potentially more institutional inertia compared to the younger Post Holdings, Inc..
How many employees does Post Holdings, Inc. have compared to United Airlines Holdings, Inc.?
Post Holdings, Inc. employs approximately 13,180 people, while United Airlines Holdings, Inc. employs approximately 113,200. United Airlines Holdings, Inc. has the larger workforce at 113,200 employees, compared to Post Holdings, Inc.'s 13,180. A higher headcount does not necessarily imply greater efficiency — it often reflects differences in business model (e.g., manufacturing vs. software).
Where are Post Holdings, Inc. and United Airlines Holdings, Inc. headquartered?
Both Post Holdings, Inc. and United Airlines Holdings, Inc. are headquartered in United States, meaning they operate under the same primary regulatory and tax environment.
Who founded Post Holdings, Inc. and United Airlines Holdings, Inc.?
Post Holdings, Inc. was founded by William P. Stiritz. United Airlines Holdings, Inc. was founded by Walter T. Varney, William Boeing.
Which company has a longer operating history — Post Holdings, Inc. or United Airlines Holdings, Inc.?
United Airlines Holdings, Inc. has been operating for approximately 100 years, making it the more established of the two companies. Post Holdings, Inc. has been in operation for around 14 years. A longer operating history often signals greater institutional resilience and brand recognition, though it can also mean slower adaptation to new market conditions.
Figures come from each company's filings and the sources linked beside them. Amounts reported in another currency are shown in US dollars at an approximate rate and marked with ~. Back to the Post Holdings vs United Airlines overview