HAVING completed the joint venture for Global Business Travel (TTG Asia e-Daily, October 24, 2013), American Express Company (AMEX) has announced new members of its executive team, promising to “change the way that business travel operates”.
AMEX and an investor group led by Certares now each have a 50 per cent ownership stake.
The new company provides leading travel solutions, integrating consulting services, proprietary research and end-to-end meetings and events capabilities. Its creation also saw the injection of US$900 million in capital from investors.
Pat Bourke has since been named chief administrative officer, Norma Corio as chief financial officer, and JoAnne Kruse as chief human resources officer.
They join Greg O’Hara, who was appointed chairman of the board, and Bill Glenn who assumes the roles of president and CEO.
Said Glenn: “With our brand heritage, global network and strong capabilities honed over decades of connecting the world through travel, GBT is a leader in our industry…But our industry, like others, must evolve along with the consumerisation and globalisation of modern commerce.
“Whether it’s mobile functionality, dynamic apps or simply easier and faster ways to do business, American Express Global Business Travel now has the resources to further innovate and change the way that business travel operates.”
He added: “With the creation of the joint venture and the infusion of US$900 million of capital from our investors, we now have even greater resources that the marketplace to not only stay ahead of the curve, but to create the curve.”
