Lawrence W. Kellner (born January 19, 1959) is the former CEO of Continental Airlines, having succeeded Gordon Bethune as CEO in December 2004. Prior to his arrival at Continental, he was the chief financial officer of American Savings Bank.[1] Kellner retired as the airline's chief executive at the end of December 2009. During his career at Continental, he previously was a vice president, chief financial officer and chief operating officer.[1] Kellner is president of Emerald Creek Group, LLC - a Texas-based private equity firm primarily focused on real estate and also is on the board of directors at ExxonMobil. He was Chairman of The Boeing Company from 2019 to 2024.[2]
Kellner is the 2008 recipient of the Tony Jannus Award for distinguished achievement in commercial air transportation.[5] In July 2009, Continental announced Kellner's retirement as its CEO at the end of the year.[6]
Career
Kellner is the prior vice chairman of the Greater Houston Partnership, and that organization's current chairman.[7] Kellner was elected to Boeing's board of directors in 2011.[8] He is a trustee of Rice University.