- Former British Airways executive to join in the spring; current President to depart for new strategic investment role
London, UK— December 9, 2019—American Express Global Business Travel (GBT), the world’s leading business partner for managed travel, has announced that Andrew (Drew) Crawley will join as Chief Commercial Officer on April 1, 2020, based in London. He is currently Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Avios Group, the loyalty company owned by International Airlines Group (IAG), and a member of the IAG management committee.
Paul Abbott, GBT’s CEO, said: “Drew is ideally placed to lead our commercial organisation on the next phase of its journey. He is a dynamic leader with a deep knowledge of the global travel sector. Drew has broad commercial, marketing and digital experience, and a proven track record of driving innovation and change.”
Crawley’s previous roles include CEO of IAG Cargo and Chief Commercial Officer of British Airways (BA). He was also an Executive Board Member at BA, and has chaired the Boards of BA Holidays and OpenSkies, BA’s wholly-owned French airline subsidiary. Crawley started his BA career in 1992, working in a variety of sales, marketing and operational roles in the UK, Europe and Asia.
As Crawley joins, GBT’s President Philippe Chereque will leave on March 31 to join Certares, the travel industry investment firm led by GBT’s Executive Board Chairman, Greg O’Hara. Certares leads a private equity group that holds a 50% stake in GBT.
Abbott said: “GBT owes Philippe a debt of gratitude. When he joined GBT in 2014 he brought an unparalleled knowledge of business travel and technology. His charisma and infectious passion inspired people at all levels of the business. I am delighted that Philippe will retain a close connection with GBT in his new role with Certares.”
In more than five years with company, Chereque was responsible for designing GBT’s industry leading product and technology platform, spearheading the acquisition of travel and expense technology firm KDS in 2016 and cementing GBT’s position as the world’s leading travel management company.
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About American Express Global Business Travel
American Express Global Business Travel (GBT) is the world’s leading business partner for managed travel. We help companies and their employees prosper by making sure travellers are present where and when it matters. We keep global business moving with the powerful backing of 18,000 travel professionals in more than 140 countries. Companies of various sizes, and in all places, rely on GBT to provide travel management services, organize meetings and events, and deliver business travel consulting.
Learn more at amexglobalbusinesstravel.com
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