2015 sales: $1.12 billion
Employees: 573: Previous ranking: 21
71 Fifth Ave.
New York, NY 10003
T (800) 431-1112
Website Website Executives
CHAIRMAN/CEO: Paul Metselaar
EVP: Sunil Mahtani
EVP: Michael Steiner
EVP, GENERAL COUNSEL: Elie Gordis
CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER: Thomas Gehrke
SVP, OPERATIONS: Isabel Torres
SVP, CLIENT SOLUTIONS GROUP: Lisa Lundquist
SVP, CLIENTS SOLUTIONS & REVENUE MANAGEMENT: Alison White
SVP, MARKETING: Jennifer Achim
SVP, OPERATIONS TECHNOLOGY: Tiffany Serviss
2015 Developments
Increased focus on proactive supplier management through negotiations and technology.
Implemented new training initiatives, including orientation for new hires, client-specific training and team-building events.
Added a service optimization platform to provide operational assessments and service optimization strategies. These assessments include analyzing ability to provide accessibility, accuracy and consultation for clients.
Developed a contingency group platform to assist regular After-Hours platform during severe weather events.
Moved After-Hours service in-house, offering clients travel consultants exclusively dedicated to Ovation 24/7.
Launched new website (www.ovationtravel.com), with particular focus on outlining services and solutions, technology suite offerings and cost savings opportunities. The website also houses informational white papers, a blog and links to social media platforms.Created OTech and LawTech technology suite and implemented technology tools, including proprietary Travel Portal, which is now in full production. Web-based portal is a single source for booking, tracking and communicating information for travelers, arrangers and managers.
Moved to a private, cloud-based virtual desktop infrastructure environment to support ability to work from anywhere at any time using any device.
Company Facts
Provides direct sales of travel products to clients.
Comprises three operating companies: Ovation Corporate Travel, Lawyers Travel and Ovation Vacations.
ARC sales of $757 million.
$145 million in sales from hosted agents.
134 outside agents.
90% of sales from business, 6% leisure, 4% other.
Member of BCD Travel, Virtuoso, Travelsavers.
Privately held. Paul Metselaar is majority shareholder.
Looking Ahead
Investing in technology, including fare and rate search tools, online booking enhancements and mobile technology, and is implementing the newest advances in data privacy and security.
Will continue to build features into travel portal, such as live chat for clients.