London, UK, March 18, 2015 – American Express Global Business Travel (“GBT”) today announced the appointment of Christine Ourmieres-Widener as Chief Global Sales Officer. In this role, Ms. Ourmieres-Widener, who was previously Chief Executive Officer of CityJet, will be responsible for GBT’s Global Sales organization and Global Client Group, which work with GBT’s largest prospective and existing customers globally, as well as its Global Business Consulting division. Ms. Ourmieres-Widener, who will officially start with GBT in June, will report to GBT’s Chief Commercial & Technology Officer, Philippe Chérèque.
“Companies with complex global operations and corporate travel needs look to GBT to go beyond best-in-class booking and servicing to integrate policy development, traveler engagement, compliance and business intelligence into end-to-end travel solutions,” said Philippe Chérèque, Chief Commercial & Technology Officer, American Express Global Business Travel. “Combined with investments in information, technology and products, this newly created role will capitalize on the synergies within our global sales, client management and consulting teams to advance our customer relationships.”
“With her proven track record of delivering growth in line with a strategic vision, combined with her experience leading travel companies across Europe and the United States, Christine is the ideal executive for this role,” added Mr. Chérèque. “She is widely recognized as a progressive leader and an industry luminary, and I am delighted to have her join our team at this time of great change and growth.”
Based in London, Ms. Ourmieres-Widener joins GBT from European airline CityJet, where she has served as Chief Executive Officer since 2010. In this role Ms. Ourmieres-Widener led the airline through a period of significant change as it transitioned from fully-owned subsidiary of Air France KLM to an independent company. This included spearheading the investor process, developing future business plans, as well as the redesign of all of Cityjet’s organizational processes, policies and technology.
Prior to her role as Chief Executive Officer of CityJet, Ms. Ourmieres-Widener spent several years with Air France KLM, most recently as Vice President and General Manager for Air France KLM in the United States, and as General Manager for the UK and Ireland operations before that.
About American Express Global Business Travel
Positioned at the intersection of commerce and travel, American Express Global Business Travel offers its customers a comprehensive network, service dependability, and deep insight to help move people and businesses forward. American Express Global Business Travel provides leading travel solutions, integrated consulting services, proprietary research, and end-to-end meetings and events capabilities. These innovative offerings enable clients to optimize the return on their travel and meetings investments. Learn more at www.amexglobalbusinesstravel.com.
American Express Global Business Travel is part of one of the world’s largest travel agency networks with locations in nearly 140 countries worldwide.