Gordon Bethune

In the airline industry, few names inspire as much awe, admiration, and accolades as Gordon M. Bethune. At Continental Airlines, Bethune spearheaded one of the most dramatic corporate turnarounds in United States history. When he joined the troubled carrier as president and chief operating officer in February of 1994, Continental consistently ranked last in every measurable performance metric, including on-time performance, customer complaints, and mishandled baggage. Bethune quickly assumed the role of chief executive officer in November 1994, and was elected chairman of the board of directors in September 1996. When he was finished working his magic at Continental, the airline stood at the top of the heap, ranked by Fortune magazine as the No. 1 Most Admired Global Airline. Exclusively represented by Leading Authorities, Gordon M. Bethune speaks from a lifetime of experience and success in one of the world's most complex businesses. He impresses audience with his unique brand of management wisdom, on topics ranging from customer service, employee relations, and motivation. Bethune explains how "Happiness" at every level is the unspoken key to success.

First in Flight. Bethune's herculean effort to rescue Continental Airlines from its seemingly-irreversible nosedive is chronicled in his best-selling business novel From Worst to First. His prose style, like his personality, was described by Business Week as "refreshingly straightforward," and his "plain-spoken management style" comes through in every page. The Washington Post Book World asked "why everyone doesn't run a business as preached by the chief executive of Continental Airlines." A frequent contributor to CNBC, Bethune never fails to recognize the hard work of Continental's employees, crediting them for the airline's progress. As a result of his dedication to employee and customer "happiness," Continental went on to thrive under his leadership, winning more awards for customer satisfaction from J.D. Power and Associates than any other airline. Fortune magazine named Continental among the 100 Best Companies to Work for in America for six consecutive years.

An Aviation Hall-of-Famer. Bethune's accolades are too numerous to count. He's been honored by dozens of organizations, ranging from the Wings Clu--a distinction he shares with the likes of Neil Armstrong, Herb Kelleher, and President George H.W. Bush--to the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum, where he was named a Laureate in Aviation. He's been involved in every level of the aviation world, from VP and GM of the Boeing Commercial Airline Group's Renton Division, to VP and GM for engineering and maintenance for Braniff and Western Airlines, to serving as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer for the U.S. Navy. He is also a licensed commercial pilot and airframe and power plant mechanic. It is this deep knowledge of every level of the airline industry, from CEO to mechanic, that allowed Gordon M. Bethune to pilot Continental Airlines' remarkable recovery, and it is his willingness and eagerness to share his story that makes him an invaluable asset to the business community.