American Express Global Business Travel Recruits Jennifer Charlton to Lead Supplier Relations in EMEA

LONDON, January 14, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --

American Express Global Business Travel ("GBT") today announced the appointment of Jennifer Charlton as Vice President/ Head of Supplier Relations for Europe, Middle East, and Africa. Ms. Charlton, who joins the company from Carlson Wagonlit Travel, will be based in London and lead GBT's supplier strategies and initiatives in the EMEA region. She will also be a member of the GBT European Leadership Team.

"Our strong supplier relationships mark a significant area of differentiation as well as continued opportunity for GBT, especially during this transformative period for our business and the travel industry overall," said Michael Qualantone, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Global Supplier Relations. "I am delighted to have Jennifer, who brings considerable experience, excellent credibility, and a strong network and track record in the travel industry, join our company.

"Customers are looking for more creative approaches in such areas as the type of hotels we procure and the pricing models we deploy. Jennifer is the perfect leader to support this demand through our EMEA and Meetings & Events supplier strategies, and to drive enhanced customer and supplier value and business results."

Previously, Ms. Charlton was Vice President, Global Supplier Management at Carlson Wagonlit Travel, where she was responsible for the company's supplier relations across EMEA and APAC, and was a member of its EMEA Leadership Team. Before that, Ms. Charlton was Vice President, Global Hotels, responsible for technology and product development, customer proposition, and supplier revenue for the company's hotel program globally. She joined Carlson Wagonlit Travel in 2006 as Director, Supplier Management, Hotels and Meetings & Events CWT UK.

Prior to her time at Carlson Wagonlit Travel, Ms. Charlton spent two years at Thistle and Guoman Hotels as Head of Global Sales, and prior to that in positions of increasing responsibility at KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.

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 http://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.

American Express Global Business Travel ("GBT") is a joint venture that is not wholly-owned by American Express Company or any of its subsidiaries ("American Express"). "American Express Global Business Travel", "American Express" and the American Express logo are trademarks of American Express, and are used under limited license.

Media Contacts: Katie Robson, American Express Global Business Travel, [phone], [e-mail]; Katherine Doyle, Kwittken, [e-mail], [phone]; Dominique Fevry, Kwittken, [e-mail] , [phone]