Christian is the President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Kirby Corporation. He is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Kirby Marine Transportation business and the Kirby Distribution and Services (KDS) business.

Christian O’Neal

In 1997, Christian came to work for Hollywood Marine, Inc, which was acquired by Kirby Corporation. He served as Sales Manager in the Black Oil, Pressure, Bunkering and Chemicals groups. In 2006, Christian was appointed to Director of Business Development and President of Osprey Line, LLCD (a Kirby/Cooper T smith Joint Venture.)

After three years, Christian rejoined Kirby’s sales group as Vice President – Sales for Kirby Inland Marine. He transferred to Kirby’s corporate division serving as Vice President – Human Resources of Kirby Corporation in April 2012. Two years later he was appointed to Executive Vice President – Commercial Operations where he oversaw all inland and offshore commercial marine activity. In 2015, Christian was appointed as Chief Operation Officer – Marine Transportation Group, overseeing all marine operations and maintenance. In 2017 he was promoted to President, Marine Transportation Group. In 2024, he was appointed President & Chief Operating Officer of Kirby Corporation. In addition, Christian is also the President of San Jac Marine, LLC., Shipyard.

Christian is 52 years old. He is married to Courtney and they have three children, Callie, Rivers and Christian. Christian enjoys hunting, fishing, golfing and coaching his children’s sports.

He holds a Masters of Business Administration from Rice University, a Doctorate of Jurisprudence from Tulane University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Southern Methodist University. He is a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association.