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Larry Kellner is chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Continental Airlines Inc., the world's sixth largest airline. Kellner joined the airline in 1995 as senior vice president and chief financial officer, and was named executive vice president and chief financial officer in November 1996. In May 2001, he was elected president of the airline and to the Board of Directors, and in March 2003, he also was named chief operating officer. He became chairman of the board and chief executive officer in December 2004.
Kellner has promoted international growth at the airline, which now serves more international destinations than any other carrier. He has also fostered the company's unique culture, putting emphasis on strong internal communication and giving employees the tools to provide outstanding customer service.
During Kellner's 11 years at Continental, the carrier has won more awards for customer satisfaction than any other airline. In 2006, FORTUNE magazine ranked Continental the No. 1 "Most Admired Global Airline" in their annual "Most Admired Global Companies" issue for the third consecutive year. Continental was also named the most admired airline on FORTUNE's "America's Most Admired" airline industry list.
Prior to joining Continental, Kellner was executive vice president and chief financial officer of American Savings Bank, with approximately $20 billion in assets, where he was responsible for all financial operations and strategic planning.
Kellner graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of science in business administration from the University of South Carolina, where he served as Student Body President. In addition, the University of South Carolina presented him with the Distinguished Alumni Award in 1998.
Kellner is active in numerous community and civic organizations. He currently serves on the board of directors for Marriott International and the Air Transport Association. On the civic front, he is a member of the board of directors of the YMCA of the Greater Houston Area, the Sam Houston Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, the Greater Houston Partnership, and the Spring Branch Education Foundation. He resides in Houston with his wife, Susan, and their four children. | 