Amadeus has announced that its head of rail business Diane Bouzebiba has been appointed as UK and Ireland managing director.
UPDATED: Amadeus announces identity of new UK chief
Amadeus has announced that its head of rail business Diane Bouzebiba has been appointed as UK and Ireland managing director.
Bouzebiba, who is due to start in the post in January succeeds Tim Russell, who announced in September his intention to step down to take a career break.
She has worked for Amadeus for the last decade most recently in Nice as head of the Amadeus Rail Business Unit since September 2007.
Speaking to Travolution after the announcement was made Bouzebiba said: “The UK market is a challenging one, it’s a buoyant market and to a certain extent some of the things that happen here are precursors to things that are going to happen elsewhere in western Europe.
“In the online space I think we have some innovative business models and ideas and I believe Amadeus technology can be of benefit to large, small and medium sized players.”
Bouzebiba, who hails originally from Bolton, said she has plenty of experience working with the UK office of Amadeus in the various positions she has had at the firm over the last 10 years throughout Europe.
But she said she would spend the first few months getting to know the UK market better and the key players. “Throughout my career at Amadeus I have always looked to listen to customers – that’s been one of the secrets of my success.
“I have always spent a lot of time trying to understand the businesses challenges, working to pull together the technology solutions that those businesses need. I have always taken the approach that we need driver customers for any initiatives working in partnership with them to really achieve the levels of business excellence required together.”
In a brief statement announcing her appointment Amadeus said: “Complete customer satisfaction in key global markets such as the UK and Ireland is central to the Amadeus business strategy.
“Diane brings considerable leadership skills and significant industry expertise that will allow us to continue providing the most innovative technology and competitive offering, alongside the best possible customer service.”
