Cendant Travel Distribution Services appoints Hilton’s Chris Vukelich as Chief Operating Officer

Cendant Travel Distribution Services (TDS) has appointed Chris Vukelich to the newly created position of Chief Operating Officer for its International Markets division, effective 1st January 2005.

Chris will report to Gordon Wilson, Managing Director and Executive V-P International Markets Division Cendant TDS, and will be taking on responsibility for sales, marketing, service and operational support for all B-to-B clients based in EMEA, South Pacific and Asia. Key to Chris’ role will be developing Cendant TDSs significant product and service offerings in addition to the Galileo GDS business across the rapidly growing International Markets division as part of a multi channel strategy for corporate, leisure and retail travel.

Prior to joining Cendant, Chris held a number of senior positions within the travel industry, including General Manager- Global Distribution for British Airways, as well as senior positions with First USA Bank and CIGA Hotels. Immediately prior to joining Cendant Chris is Vice-President of Distribution Sales and Operations for Hilton International.

Gordon Wilson said “This is a key appointment for Cendant TDS when we are branching out internationally to supplement our Galileo GDS business with corporate on-line booking tools such as Travelport, access for travel agencies to our merchant hotel content through Galileo HotelClub and the provision of mid office automation systems through our Travelwire subsidiary. We are also continuing to grow our presence in key emerging markets such as India and China where we have established joint venture operations. Chris has excellent relevant sales, operational and distribution experience from both the airline and hotel industries which are perfect additions to our existing skill set.”

Commenting on his role, Chris said, “I am looking forward to working with Cendant to continue delivering first class services to our customers. A dynamic company such as Cendant is in the perfect position to be able to respond to the changing needs of the travel industry and develop solutions accordingly for all its customers. This is a company that is a major force in all parts of the travel industry and that has the strength and foresight to adapt to the new opportunities as they arise. I am excited to be able to be part of that in the future.”

Chris holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA.

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