Meet our titans

Paul Abbott became CEO of American Express Global Business Travel in October 2019. Prior to GBT, he was chief commercial officer, global commercial payments, at American Express. In his 24 years at American Express, he served in a variety of senior roles. He led the expansion of the American Express Business-to-Business Payments business around the world and introduced innovative new products and services to 4 million businesses of all sizes in over 150 countries. In addition, Abbott led the expansion of American Express' card-issuing partnerships with some of the world’s largest financial institutions. 
 

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"Paul Abbott led American Express GBT with two big moves last year: first, it's acquisition of Egencia; second, it's merger with special purpose acquisition company (Apollo Strategic Growth Capital) to take GBT public. How will these moves affect the industry? How will they affect your travel programs? Join me in this exclusive Business Travel Show Kick-off interview"

Elizabeth West
Editorial Director
The BTN Group

Sean Doyle was appointed Chief Executive of British Airways in October 2020, and Chairman in April 2021.Sean first joined British Airways in 1998, where he began his career as a financial analyst. During his time at British Airways, Sean held senior roles including Finance Director BA Cargo, Head of Corporate Strategy and Executive Vice President British Airways Americas. In 2016, Sean was appointed to the airline’s executive Management Committee as Director of Network, Fleet & Alliances. As part of this role, Sean was accountable for network and fleet planning, airline partnerships and oversight of British Airways’ business units at London Gatwick and BA CityFlyer. Prior to his appointment as Chairman and Chief Executive of British Airways, Sean was Chief Executive of Aer Lingus from January 2019.
 

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"British Airways CEO Sean Doyle stepped into his current role in October 2020 in the midst of the pandemic. Join me in finding out how he helped steer the carrier through some of its most challenging times and how it’s preparing for the return of business travel and a brighter, more sustainable future."

Andy Hoskins
Editor-In-Chief
BTN Europe

Named CEO in 2008, Tobias Ragge has transformed HRS into a global company consisting of three business units with multiple brands, serving corporations on every continent. A pioneer in managed travel, he creatively supports corporate hotel programs via HRS’ innovative Lodging as a Service platform, with the HRS Clean & Safe Protocol that enlisted more than 65,000 hotels in 2020, and the recently launched Green Stay Initiative. The BTN Group has named Tobias on its annual list of the 25 most influential business travel executives three times.
 

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"Under the leadership of CEO Tobias Ragge, HRS worked hard during the pandemic to give business travel buyers what they want most when it comes to traveller accommodations: assurances of cleanliness and safety, the ability to assess sustainability and the need for advanced payment solutions at the hotel property level. Join me in asking him about the progress HRS has made in delivering on these initiatives and more, including enhancing reporting and meetings and business travel amenities"

David Meyer
Executive Director
The BTN Group