American Express Global Business Travel (GBT) has announced a change at the top with Paul Abbott taking over as chief executive starting in October.
Abbott, who comes from a chief commercial officer role within payments at American Express, replaces Doug Anderson, who has been CEO at GBT for the past three years.
Subscribe to our newsletter below
According to a statement, the travel management firm is now ready for “rapid organic growth and M&A activity.”
Greg O’Hara, executive chairman of the board at GBT, says: “Doug steered GBT through the acquisition of HRG last year, which was the industry’s largest ever, as well as a full cultural transformation that has led to 18,000 of the most engaged team members in the business.
"He leaves GBT in an outstanding place to build on its strengths as it continues to invest in a bright future.”
Amex GBT announced its acquisition of HRG in a deal worth around £400 million in early 2018.
Abbott has also been a member of the GBT board for the past four years.
In The Big Chair - Doug Anderson
PhocusWire profiled the ex-CEO of American Express GBT for our Business Travel theme month.
O’Hara adds: “At American Express, Paul has led the rapid expansion of the B2B payments business around the world and introduced innovative new products and services for businesses of all sizes.
"This track record, combined with his experience in travel and background on the GBT board, make him the ideal person to lead GBT going forward.”
Anderson will continue to advise the company during a transition period. GBT was formed in 2013 as a joint venture between American Express and an investor group.