2014 Sales: $29.9 billion (see 2014 Developments, below)
Employees: 14,000 for Global Business Travel, no data for American Express Travel
Previous Ranking: 3
American Express Travel:
World Financial Center
200 Vesey St.
New York, NY 10285
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American Express Global Business Travel:
1459 Broadway, 44th Floor
New York, NY 10036
T (212) 824-0905
Website Website Executives
EVP, American Express Travel: Claire Bennett
VP, Representative Network & Strategic Partnerships, American Express Travel: Yana Gutierrez
VP, Strategic Partnerships, American Express Travel: Allison Beer
VP, Marketing, American Express Travel: Laura Fink
Chairman, American Express Global Business Travel: Greg O’Hara
President and CEO, American Express Global Business Travel: Bill Glenn
2014 Developments
• Global Business Travel (GBT) became a standalone company in July 2014, but sales for 2014 have been reported for both companies for 2014 for sake of consistency (see our Industry Focus feature on American Express). Sales volume includes volume processed through nonconsolidated joint ventures and travel partner network.
American Express Travel:
• Major investments made to integrate process, tools and operations globally, a multiyear effort continuing in 2015.
• Launched new agent desktop in the U.S. The development offers enhanced search functionality creating a faster, more seamless experience for travel consultants.
• Digital enhancements: Expanded online booking tools in key customer markets internationally; Integrated Fine Hotels & Resorts booking process by integrating it into main hotel booking path online; launched Insider Fares online, exclusive discounted fares when paying with Member Rewards points.
• Launched Exclusive Offers program for Representative Travel Network to drive differentiated cruise and tour inventory.
• Launched Supplier Direct Marketing Program for Representative Travel Network, speeding up special offers and last-minute inventory.
• Launched Cruise Booking Tool and App for Representative Network.
American Express Global Business Travel:
• Announced several C-suite appointments.
• Joint venture delivered capital infusion to enable GBT to build the technology to support its services.
• New tools: First (providing travelers with personalized trip planning and services of travel counselors); Card Swipe Functionality for AX Connect (helps with connecting with travelers during crises); TripCase enhancement (links Amex corporate cards to TripCase application for easy access and reminders about travel-related card benefits); DoubleDutch (partnership with DoubleDutch, provider of mobile event technology to launch a data-driven dashboard for meeting planners).
Company Facts
• GBT privately held starting July 2014; 50% held by American Express Co., 50% by investor group led by Certares.
• American Express Travel publicly held.
Looking Ahead:
American Express Travel:
• Digital engagement will be key focus area.
• Celebrating centennial anniversary.
American Express Global Business Travel:
• Will use $900 million capital infusion from investors for technology improvements. This may mean buying or partnering with technology companies or acquiring licenses to develop GBT solutions.
• Will launch a multichannel platform that will harmonize booking channels and deliver a seamless travel experience. To develop this platform GBT will review its online strategy to ensure ideal integration of online booking tools; upgrade point-of-sale capability and use data to better “know” the traveler; and create a GDS-agnostic global client database that could change how booking tools, agents and mobile devices connect.
American Express was selected for a more in-depth profile in the 2015 Power List. Read our Industry Focus report on American Express.