American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT) has appointed Drew Crawley as its new Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Paul Abbott. Abbott will move to a new role as Operating Partner with Long Lake.
The leadership transition takes effect immediately. Abbott, who guided Amex GBT for the past seven years, oversaw a period of considerable growth and transformation, steering the firm through the challenges of the global pandemic and completing the world’s first AI-focused take-private transaction.
Leadership Background
Crawley joined Amex GBT six years ago and has led the company’s commercial functions, which include managing customer relationships and cultivating supplier partnerships. Earlier this year he also assumed responsibility for global operations and technology, expanding his portfolio to cover the firm’s worldwide logistical and digital platforms.
Before his tenure at Amex GBT, Crawley served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of IAG Loyalty and as Chief Executive Officer of IAG Cargo. He also spent a decade at British Airways in senior commercial roles, most notably as Chief Commercial Officer, where he helped shape the airline’s commercial strategy.
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Reaction to the Transition
Alex Taubman, Chief Executive Officer of Long Lake, said: “Paul has been instrumental to Amex GBT’s success, and we’re grateful his expertise will continue with us in his new role as Operating Partner with Long Lake.”
Abbott remarked: “Leading Amex GBT for the past seven years has been one of the greatest honors of my career. I am enormously proud of what our team has accomplished together and, most importantly, of the company we have built.”
Crawley responded: “I am incredibly excited and honored to lead Amex GBT as we enter this new chapter. With the support of Long Lake and its applied AI expertise, we will define the future of managed travel, delivering on the promise of high-tech and high-touch solutions.”