American Express Global Business Travel (GBT) has announced that Paul Abbott will assume the role of chief executive officer, effective October 1. Abbott replaces Doug Anderson, who is stepping down after three years in the role. GBT said that its next phase of growth will involve mergers and acquisitions activity, as well as new investments in technology and customer service.
In a written statement Greg O’Hara, executive chairman of the board, American Express Global Business Travel, said that during his three-year tenure Anderson had steered the company through the acquisition of HRG, as well as led a cultural transformation of the business.
Abbott joins from American Express, where he is currently chief commercial officer, global commercial services, the company’s global B2B payments business. He has also served on the GBT board for the last four years.
Abbott has spent 18 years in the travel business, having started his career at British Airways and working in the corporate travel business at American Express. In his 24 years at American Express, he served in increasingly senior roles across various business units of the company.
O’Hara noted that, while at American Express, Abbott led the expansion of its B2B payments business around the world and introduced new products and services for businesses of all sizes.
The change will take effect October 1, with a transition period during which Anderson will continue to advise GBT.
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