GTMC appoints new chief executive
GTMC has named its new CEO as Adrian Parkes, who will join the organisation from the travel management company, Clarity.
Parkes will takes over the leadership of GTMC later this year when current CEO Paul Wait leaves to become Southall Travel chief operating officer.
Parkes has spent the past seven years working as chief commercial officer for Portman (now part of Clarity) and director – product and marketing for Clarity.
During this time, Parkes is credited with technology development, significant sales growth and high client retention.
Prior to this Parkes worked as the vice president global sales for Etihad Airways for three years, and held numerous senior roles including sales director and commercial director at bmi for nine years.
As the CEO of the GTMC, Parkes is charged with continuing to boost member and industry partner numbers, raising awareness of the issues that impact the business travel sector, and ensuring that the GTMC has a high profile amongst policy makers.
Chairman Paul Allan said: "I have been lucky enough to cross career paths with Adrian Parkes in the past and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work him again.
"He brings invaluable experience as both a TMC Member and an industry partner of the GTMC. Adrian will lead the GTMC in its next chapter following Paul Wait’s tenure at the helm.
"Paul’s entrepreneurial approach to leadership and driving change in the business travel sector has been visionary and he leaves the GTMC in the best possible position to tackle the next raft of sector challenges.
"The Board and I are looking forward to the future success and growth of the GTMC under Adrian’s expert guidance."
Clarity CEO Pat McDonagh said: "Whilst I am sorry to see Adrian leave the business, I am pleased that our industry body will be under such experienced and capable leadership, and I will enjoy working with him as a member of the GTMC executive board in his new capacity. The GTMC has made a great appointment."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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