Continental Airlines CFO to retire, Rowe steps up

SAN FRANCISCO, May 13 (Reuters) - Continental Airlines (CAL.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) Chief Financial Officer Jeff Misner is retiring and Zane Rowe, senior vice president for network strategy, has been named to replace him, the airline said on Tuesday.

The world's fifth largest airline said Misner plans to retire on Aug. 31, following his 55th birthday.

"Jeff has made great contributions to Continental during his 13 year tenure," Larry Kellner, Continental's chairman and chief executive said in a statement. "He has been a valued and trusted member of our senior management team, and everyone will miss him."

Rowe, 37, will succeed Misner as executive vice president and chief financial officer upon Misner's retirement. Rowe joined Continental in 1993, and was elected staff vice president for financial planning and analysis in February 2001. (Reporting by Eric Auchard; Editing by Tim Dobbyn)