2014 Sales: $1.4 billion
Employees: 750
Previous Ranking: 21
7430 East Caley Ave., Suite 220
Centennial, CO 80111
T (800) 223-1632
F (201) 847-2142
Website Executives
CEO: Ed Adams
CFO: John Coffman
CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER: Darryl Hoover
PRESIDENT, EAST REGION: Sam DeFranco
PRESIDENT, CENTRAL REGION: Lisa Buckner
PRESIDENT, WEST REGION: Tyler Peak
SVP, OPERATIONS: Christine Sikes
SVP, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & STRATEGIES: Ronda Shipley
EVP, SUPPLIER RELATIONS: Jim Hayes
VP LEISURE TRAVEL, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS: Gerard Bellino
2014 Developments
• Rebranded the agency to one cohesive name, launched a new dt.com website, made significant investments in technology and strategic partnerships with new technology providers.
• Launched Direct2U mobile platform, which enables booking of travel reservations. Enhancements include unlimited flight status updates, automatic itinerary updates, unlimited downloads, destination and airport guides, mobile check-in and currency converter. Direct2U also provides an integrated itinerary management platform, which enables clients to access vital travel data via multiple channels.
Company Facts
• Direct Travel sells directly to consumers for corporate travel; meetings, incentives and group travel; and leisure vacations.
• 45 outside agents.
• ARC sales of $795 million.
• 87% of sales from business, 8% leisure, 5% other.
• Acquired Creative Group in April, a performance management company specializing in meetings and event logistics, strategic meeting management and employee recognition solutions; annual sales of $126 million.
• Offers Direct Hotels, powered by TripBam, for shopping for best hotel rates until day of check-in.
• Offers Global Assist, powered by TripLingo, to deliver a mobile app that helps international business travelers better manage and navigate language and cultural barriers when traveling abroad.
• Privately held; majority shareholder is Direct Travel Inc.
Looking Ahead
• Main strategy is to ensure the appropriate tools and technologies are in place to service new acquisitions. Also in the process of implementing a new back-office system and a new midoffice automation solution.