Our February speaker is Krishnan Saranthan, who is the Managing Director for Enterprise Optimization at United Airlines. In this role, he leads a centralized analytics group of over 50 people that leverages capabilities in statistical modeling, optimization, and data mining to create bottom line value for the company. He works closely with IT to create decision support tools that support critical business processes. He has considerable experience in the Pricing and Revenue Management and he is known for his expertise in this area. Prior to his current role, he served as the Manager for Revenue Management systems and Manager of Pricing. He has an MBA in Finance and Strategy from Northwestern University, Master's degree in Transportation Engineering from University of Missouri at Columbia and Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras, India.

The presentation will focus on the role played by the Enterprise Optimization group in maximizing United's bottom line. Enterprise Optimization is a centralized analytics group, which leverages core skills in mathematical modeling/optimization and in-depth knowledge of the airline domain to create sustainable value for the company. In 2008, the total value generated by this group exceeded $100 million. Specific case studies will be presented to demonstrate the real world applications of decision sciences across a broad range of airline functions to improve revenue performance, enhance efficiency, and contain costs.

Lunch is $30 for CCASA members, $35 for nonmembers. Nonmembers, join the chapter for a year for only $15 and get the discount plus all the other benefits of membership! As usual, the Lucille Derrick Fund will purchase a limited number of tickets for students who wish to attend. If you are a student and would like to take advantage of this offer, please register online below, and contact Lou Fogg, expressing your interest.

Please register for the luncheon by Friday February 13, 2009.

Register online at http://www.123signup.com/calendar?Org=chicagoasa

Questions: Contact Lou Fogg, VP for Luncheons Phone: 312-942-6239 or E-mail: louis_fogg@rush.edu