Continental Airlines has named Jeff Smisek, the airline’s president, COO and a member of the board of directors, as chairman and CEO, effective January 1, 2010.

Mr Smisek will succeed Larry Kellner, who has decided to return to private equity at the end of 2009 after 14 years with Continental.

Mr Smisek joined Continental Airlines in March 1995 as senior vice president and general counsel. He became president in December 2004 and president and COO in September 2008.

Mr Kellner joined Continental in 1995 as CFO. In May 2001, he was elected president of the airline and to the board of directors, and in March 2003, he was named president and COO. He became chairman and CEO in December 2004.

Mr Kellner said: "I have worked closely with Jeff throughout my tenure, and he is a strong and effective leader. I am confident Jeff will maintain Continental’s unique culture and successfully lead the Continental team through these challenging times."

Datamonitor: Airlines - North America (NAFTA) Industry Guide