Travelport announces Africa and Asia-Pacific shake-up

Travelport announces Africa and Asia-Pacific shake-up

Travelport Africa boss Mark Meehan is moving to become managing director for Asia-Pacific.

Travelport Africa boss Mark Meehan is moving to become managing director for Asia-Pacific.

The switch follows the decision of Patrick Andres to leave the company at the end of April “to pursue opportunities more aligned to his background in the hospitality technology and distribution sector”.

Meehan will take up his new Singapore-based position early next month reporting to global sales managing director Jason Clarke.

As a result, three newly-established Travelport sub-regions have been created in Africa:


  • North Africa will be managed by Stuart Laird-Smith, who joined Travelport in 2012 as head of commercial strategy for the Middle East and Africa, based in Dubai.

  • Central, East and West Africa will be led by Peter Barry, who joined Travelport last month from Menzies Aviation in Johannesburg.

  • Southern Africa will be run by George Harb, previously managing director for Travelport China. Robyn Christie, general manager for South Africa, will report to Harb.

All of the regional directors in Africa will report to Rabih Saab, managing director for Africa, the Middle East and South Asia.

Clarke said: “The appointments are all designed to further accelerate the execution of Travelport’s strategic plan in two of the world’s fastest growing travel regions – Africa and Asia-Pacific.

“Mark is a proven leader and a superb operator – he has been hugely successful running our business in Africa where we have seen our operations and customer relationships grow rapidly.

“I am confident he will soon be as highly regarded by both customers and employees in the Asia-Pacific region as he has been in Africa.

“Meanwhile, the new senior team we have appointed to replace him in Africa will provide a highly customer-centric approach to the very diverse needs of each of the sub-regions.

Clarke added: “On a personal note, I would also like to thank Patrick for the many benefits he has brought Travelport. His business acumen and customer focus have provided a great foundation for our business going forward and I wish him every success for the future.”