Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL and CAL.A) today named John E. “Ned” Walker senior vice president - worldwide corporate communications. In this position, Walker, 48, will be responsible for managing Continental`s reputation on a global basis, including public relations, employee communications, community affairs, and corporate television and publications. He will continue to report to Jeff Smisek, Continental`s executive vice president and general counsel.

“Ned has been a key advisor helping us to shape the renaissance of Continental,” said Gordon Bethune, chairman and chief executive officer. “His communications skills keep us focused on our messages, and as a result the world today has a far better understanding of our business, our goals, our results and our true corporate identity.”

A member of the Continental communications staff for 13 years, Walker has been vice president of corporate communications since 1995. Prior to joining Continental, Walker was director of corporate communications for a Frontier Airlines subsidiary, and was previously a broadcast journalist with The Chicago Tribune-owned KWGN-TV and ABC Radio affiliate KLMO in the Denver area.

Continental was ranked as the No. 2 most admired global airline and named among the “100 Best Companies to Work for in America” for the last two years by FORTUNE magazine. In 1996, Walker was named Employee Communications All-Star by Inside PR magazine. He is a member of the Air Transport Association`s public relations committee and former vice chairman of the Travel Industry Association of America`s communications committee. Walker also serves on the board of directors for the Houston-based Theater Under the Stars.

Walker holds a Bachelors degree in Mass Communications from the University of Colorado, Boulder. He lives in Houston with his wife and family.

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