Sabre Holdings has appointed Larry Kellner as non-executive chairman of the board of directors. Kellner joins the Sabre board following a successful 14-year career at Continental Airlines, where he served initially as chief financial officer, then president, chief operating officer, and finally chairman and chief executive before retiring in 2009.

He is currently the president of Emerald Creek Group and serves on the boards of the Boeing Company, The Chubb Corporation and Marriott International.

“Larry brings tremendous experience and expertise to Sabre, gained from his extensive career in the global travel industry,” said Tom Klein, Sabre chief executive, and president. 

“I look forward to working with Larry and the entire board of directors as we continue Sabre’s leadership in providing technology solutions to the travel industry.”

Kellner succeeds Sam Gilliland, who was previous chairman and chief executive of Sabre.

Gilliland will remain on Sabre’s board of directors.