Larry Kellner


Lawrence W. "Larry" Kellner is the former CEO of Continental Airlines, having succeeded Gordon Bethune as CEO in December 2004. Prior to his arrival at Continental, he served as the chief financial officer of American Savings Bank. Kellner retired as the airline's chief executive at the end of December 2009. During his career at Continental, he previously served as a vice president, chief financial officer and chief operating officer. Kellner currently serves as President of Emerald Creek Group, LLC - a California-based private equity firm primarily focused on real estate and chairman of The Boeing Company.

Early life

Kellner was born in Worthington, Minnesota, and grew up in Sumter, South Carolina. He graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1981 with a degree in accounting. He resides in Orange County, California.
Kellner is the 2008 recipient of the Tony Jannus Award for distinguished achievement in commercial air transportation. In July 2009, Continental announced Kellner's retirement as its CEO at the end of the year.

Career

Kellner is the prior vice chairman of the Greater Houston Partnership, and that organization's current chairman. Kellner was elected to Boeing's board of directors in 2011. He is a trustee of Rice University.
Kellner is a member of the National Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America, the organization's governing body.

Awards and honors

Kellner was named Tony Jannus Award's Person of the Year for 2008.