Drew Crawley to Join American Express Global Business Travel as CCO

Andrew (Drew) Crawley is to join American Express Global Business Travel (GBT) as Chief Commercial Officer, effective 1 April 2020.

Drew is currently Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Avios Group, the loyalty company owned by International Airlines Group (IAG), and a member of the IAG management committee.

Paul Abbott, GBT’s CEO, said, “Drew is ideally placed to lead our commercial organisation on the next phase of its journey. He is a dynamic leader with a deep knowledge of the global travel sector. Drew has broad commercial, marketing and digital experience, and a proven track record of driving innovation and change.”

Drew’s previous roles include CEO of IAG Cargo and Chief Commercial Officer of British Airways (BA). He was also an Executive Board Member at BA, and has chaired the Boards of BA Holidays and OpenSkies, BA’s wholly-owned French airline subsidiary. Drew started his BA career in 1992, working in a variety of sales, marketing and operational roles in the UK, Europe and Asia.

As Drew joins, GBT’s President Philippe Chereque will leave on 31 March to join Certares, a travel industry investment firm led by GBT’s Executive Board Chairman, Greg O’Hara. Certares leads a private equity group that holds a 50% stake in GBT.

Abbott said, “GBT owes Philippe a debt of gratitude. When he joined GBT in 2014 he brought an unparalleled knowledge of business travel and technology. His charisma and infectious passion inspired people at all levels of the business. I am delighted that Philippe will retain a close connection with GBT in his new role with Certares.”

Drew will be based in London.

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