AMERICAN EXPRESS BUSINESS TRAVEL NAMES MICHAEL QUALANTONE HEAD OF GLOBAL SUPPLIER RELATIONS
NEW YORK, July 07, 2009 -- American Express Business Travel, a global industry leader in business travel management, today announced Michael Qualantone, vice president, Client Services Group, has been named vice president and general manager, Global Supplier Relations. In his new role, Mr. Qualantone will manage and direct all strategic relationships with global supplier partners, including airlines, hotel and car companies, tour operators and cruise lines, as well as maintaining strategic relationships with all technology providers including global distribution systems and booking tools. This leadership role also heads the management and development of the International Travel Services Network, and is responsible for the Partner Network Worldwide. Mr. Qualantone replaces Andrew Winterton, who has taken another position outside of the company.
Qualantone is now a member of the Global Travel Services Executive Team, and reports directly to Charles Petruccelli, president, American Express Global Travel Services. In his most recent role as vice president, Client Services Group, Qualantone was at the forefront of leading the strategic thinking, tactical planning and execution on key client service initiatives.
“I look forward to this new phase in my American Express career, as the business travel industry is once again at a critical crossroad where supplier business models are being challenged and new strategies are needed to remain relevant,” said Qualantone. “This exciting opportunity comes at a time when I can apply my knowledge and experience to spearhead strategies and innovations that will not only shape the distribution and supplier models, but will also ensure American Express maintains its position as the industry leader.”
During his 21 year tenure at American Express, Qualantone has held leadership positions within Finance, Travel Back Office, and Business Travel. Prior to his role as vice president, Client Services Group, he was vice president, On Sites and Customer Solutions, and vice president, Global Distribution Strategy. In his previous distribution role, he was responsible for all travel distribution matters globally and was instrumental in establishing American Express' alternative distribution strategy, known as TravelBahn DS, which was recently awarded a U.S. patent.
While in the Finance division, he was an integral part of important American Express acquisitions including Lifeco, Revere, TravelOne, Thomas Cook, and Rosenbluth. He joined American Express in 1988 as a participant in the Graduate Management Program, and prior to American Express, worked in the banking and financial industries with Manufacturer's Hanover and First Interstate Bank.
“The head of Global Supplier Relations plays a critical role within American Express, acting as a lynchpin between the Company and its partners, suppliers and global networks,” said Charles Petruccelli, president, American Express Global Travel Services. “Mike is a strong leader with a proven track record for success, particularly in driving global distribution system initiatives – key to this position. Mike brings a decisive, efficient approach that moves strategies into action, and he will be an important addition to the Executive Team.”
Mr. Qualantone was recognized with a “Distinguished Fellow distinction” award in 2005 from the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE), for the highest-rated educational sessions at an ACTE global conference. In addition, he was a recipient of the 2006 American Express Kim Vismale Award, as well as a 1999 Corporate Services Leadership Award in recognition for his outstanding leadership and contributions to both customer and business results. Qualantone earned his MBA and BS degrees from Arizona State University.
About American Express Business Travel
American Express Business Travel, a division of American Express Company, is committed to helping its clients maximize the greatest return on their travel investment through increased cost savings, world-class customer service and greater spending control. Ranging from small businesses to multinational corporations, American Express Business Travel provides a combination of industry-leading technology, travel management consulting, strategic sourcing and supplier negotiation support, alongside global customer service available online and offline. The Company also provides a dynamic online community (www.BusinessTravelConneXion.com) harnessing the collective intelligence of those in the business travel industry offering a variety of perspectives, best practices, current research and industry news.
American Express operates one of the world's largest travel agency networks with locations in over 140 countries worldwide. Total travel sales volume in 2008 was $29.1 billion, including proprietary volume, volume processed through joint ventures, and American Express branded volume processed through its partner network.
American Express Company is a leading global payments, network and travel company founded in 1850.
Contacts:
Tracy Paurowski
212.640.8409
Tracy.J.Paurowski@aexp.com