Amadeus, a leading global technology and distribution partner for the travel and tourism industry, has announced Stephane Durand’s successor as managing director, UK and Ireland. Tim Russell, currently managing director for Amadeus Australia and New Zealand, based in Sydney, is expected to take over from Durand in the very near future, becoming responsible for the…
Amadeus announces new managing director for UK and Ireland
Amadeus, a leading global technology and distribution partner for the travel and tourism industry, has announced Stephane Durand’s successor as managing director, UK and Ireland.
Tim Russell, currently managing director for Amadeus Australia and New Zealand, based in Sydney, is expected to take over from Durand in the very near future, becoming responsible for the business in the UK and Ireland, as the company continues its strategy of deploying advanced travel technology and delivering first class customer service in this key market.
Speaking of his new role in the UK, Russell said: “I am truly delighted to take over the UK and Ireland after what has been a remarkable growth and success story for Amadeus in both markets and look forward to further supporting our ambitious plans, commitment and passion for technology and our customers.
“Additionally, I look forward to sharing my experience from Australia and New Zealand and building on what has already been achieved, to firmly establish Amadeus as the number one IT provider to the travel industry in the UK and Ireland.”
As Managing Director for Amadeus Australia and New Zealand based in Sydney, Russell was responsible for all aspects of Amadeus’ interests in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.
During his tenure, Amadeus has become market leader in New Zealand and has grown market share significantly in Australia. Key milestones include the signature of key travel agency accounts, strategic partnerships with local providers and airlines, with the objective of better servicing the travel agency community, the expansion of Amadeus’ corporate distribution business and a stream of product innovations especially in the online arena.
Formerly the director of market management for Amadeus Asia Pacific based in Bangkok, Russell brings to his position a wealth of management experience in the industry. Actively involved at a senior executive and strategic level in the marketing of Amadeus throughout Asia Pacific, Russell’s responsibilities included management of the region’s many local commercial organisations.
Before moving to Asia Pacific, Englishman Russell worked for Amadeus as Regional Market Manager for North and Central America, based in Amadeus’ corporate headquarters in Madrid, Spain.
Part of the Amadeus’ management team for ten years, Durand has been Managing Director for the UK and Ireland businesses for the past five years, and will be moving to a new role for the Amadeus IT Group as director leisure and online, leading commercial responsibilities for the company’s Global Leisure and Online customers, based in Nice.
Speaking of his successor and his new role, Durand said: “While I will be sad to leave the enjoying and challenging role of UK and Ireland MD, it gives me great pleasure to say that, having worked with Tim for 10 years, I have every confidence that his unique passion and innovation will be a great asset to the UK and Ireland travel technology marketplace.”
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