development with the airline from joining to becoming CEO in December 2004 with particular reference to management style of the US airline, particularly in a tough market. It is submitted at the outset that Kellner’s management style at Continental Airlines highlights the importance of implementing an efficient interrelationship between creativity at business operational level, employee relations and customer relationship management (CRM).
Accordingly, in Section 2 I shall firstly present a summary of Kellner’s career charting his graduation from South Carolina University to an exemplary career in private equity. This will be followed by a discussion of his eventual move to Continental Airlines and role in the continued growth of Continental Airlines and air transportation.
In Section 3, I shall evaluate Kellner’s role and management philosophy in running Continental Airlines and how this has benefited the company in tough market conditions including increasing competition, personnel management and burgeoning oil prices.
Kellner’s career in private equity and as business strategist has been prolific and the Business Week (2009) Executive Profile highlights the Kellner’s achievements as graduate from South Carolina University and recipient of the distinguished alumni award in 1998 (www.investing.businessweek.com). After graduating in a Bachelor of Science and Business administration degree, Kellner worked for and became Executive Vice President and Chief financial Officer of the Koll Company followed by his appointment as Executive Vice President and Chief financial officer of American Savings Bank FA from November 1992 to May 1995 (www.investing.businessweek.com).
Mr Kellner joined Continental Airlines in 1995 and became director in 2001, going onto replace Gordon Bethune as CEO in December 2004. Kellner recently announced his departure from Continental airlines