Partner, Emerald Creek Group
Gerard J. Arpey is a partner in Emerald Creek Group, LLC, a private equity firm based
in Austin, Texas.
Prior to his retirement in November 2011, Gerard Arpey served as Chief Executive Officer of AMR Corporation and American Airlines from April 2003 through November 2011. From May 2004 through November 2011, he was also Chairman of the AMR Board of Directors. Mr. Arpey led American Airlines -- one of the world’s largest carriers, serving 250 cities in 40 countries -- through the most tumultuous period in the history of the airline industry.
Mr. Arpey previously served as American’s President and Chief Operating Officer, Senior Vice President of Finance and Planning, and Chief Financial Officer. He joined the company in 1982 as a financial analyst, and was named a corporate officer in 1989.
Mr. Arpey earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1980 and an MBA in 1982, both from the University of Texas at Austin.
An avid pilot, Mr. Arpey holds a FAA Multi-Engine Instrument Pilot Rating and is a Certified Flight Instructor.
Mr. Arpey is the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. (A Family Company). He is a Trustee of the American Beacon Funds and serves on the Board of Directors of The Home Depot.
Mr. Arpey has three children and resides in Colleyville, Texas.