Jeff Smisek is President and Chief Executive Officer of United Continental Holidings, Inc., the holding company for both United Airlines and Continental Airlines. Together with their regional partners, these airlines operate a total of approximately 5, 675 flights a day to 372 airports on six continents. Mr. Smisek is also a member of the United Continental Holidings, Inc. Board of Directors.
Previously, Mr. Smisek was Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Continental Airlines, Inc. He joined Continental in 1995 as Senior Vice President and General Counsel. In 2004, Mr. Smisek became president and was elected to the company's board of directors. He became President and Chief Operating Officer in September 2008 and assumed the role of Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer in January 2010.
Mr. Smisek graduated from Princeton University, A.B. summa cum laude in economics, in 1976, and Harvard Law School, J.D. magna cum laude, in 1982. He is married and has two children, and is a long-time supporter of numerous charitable and civic organizations.
He serves on the board of directors of the Baker Institute, the Museum of Science and Industry and National Oilwell Varco, Inc. He was also named Aviation Week’s Person of the Year for 2010.