Hoofddorp, 28 november 2007 – Travelport GDS, one of the world’s largest global distribution system (GDS) providers, has announced today that Marco van Ieperen has been appointed general manager for the Benelux. The appointment follows a review of the company’s organisational structure as part of the integration of Worldspan and Galileo.
Marco van Ieperen will be responsible for ensuring that existing customers continue to receive high levels of service and dedicated account management, in addition to overseeing business development activities to maintain and grow the business in the Benelux.
Marco has over 20 years experience in the travel industry, where he held a number of senior positions within different airline- , hospitality, Tour Operating and Travel Management companies. Prior to joining Galileo Marco worked for Rosenbluth International as General Manager Netherlands.
Marco van Ieperen will report into David Brown. David Brown is responsible for Western Europe & Brazil including the markets of Belgium, Brazil, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
Marco van Ieperen: “I’m delighted to be leading the team here in the Benelux. The changes we’ve made to our organisational structure will allow us to get closer to, and better serve, our customers. Bringing together Galileo and Worldspan under Travelport GDS does not mean that either system will be favoured or that any customers will be forced to change GDS. Rather, it enables us to deliver to our customers the best of breed from both product sets, whilst continuing to sell both Galileo and Worldspan products according to customer needs.”
Today’s announcement means that Jan Peter Poot, former Regional Manager Worldspan, will be moving into a new role within Travelport GDS as Global Commercial Director for BCD Travel.
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About Travelport GDS
Travelport GDS is one of the world’s largest global distribution system (GDS) providers. It is also the global leader in Web-based travel e-commerce and a provider of other specialized solutions and services to the global travel industry. Travelport GDS comprises the Galileo by Travelport and Worldspan® by Travelport GDSs; Shepherd Systems, an expert in providing business and marketing intelligence to the travel industry; aiRESTM, the next generation server-based internal airline IT product suite; and THOR, a provider of distribution and marketing services to travel-related companies. Travelport GDS is a convergence of traditional and online travel distribution services that empower airlines, travel suppliers, travel agencies, Web sites and corporations to provide first class travel services to travelers on a global platform. Travelport GDS is a division of Travelport, the world’s largest network of travel brands, content and services. More information is available at travelportgds.com.
About Travelport
Travelport is one of the world's largest service providers to the travel industry. The company operates two primary businesses - a global distribution system business, which comprises the Galileo and Worldspan brands and a group travel and wholesale hotel business through its GTA brand. Travelport also owns a significant interest in Orbitz Worldwide, a leading global online travel company. With 2006 revenues (including Worldspan) of approximately $3.4 billion, Travelport operates in 145 countries and has approximately 7,500 employees. Travelport is a private company owned by The Blackstone Group, Technology Crossover Ventures and One Equity Partners
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