The OpenTravel Alliance (OpenTravel) has named its board of directors for 2008-2009, including representatives from every major travel segment.

Published: 30 Jul 2008

The OpenTravel Alliance (OpenTravel) has named its board of directors for 2008-2009, including representatives from every major travel segment.

"In 2009, OpenTravel will celebrate 10 years of building free messaging standards to serve the electronic distribution needs of the travel industry," said Valyn Perini, Executive Director of OpenTravel.

She added, "As part of our 10-year anniversary, our new board of directors will oversee our first European Advisory Forum and ensure we continue to publish specifications that solve distribution business problems."

The board of directors are as follows:

Air Carrier Board Representatives
· Sumeet Bahl, Director of Customer Technology, American Airlines

· Rob Borucki, Manager of eCommerce Product Development, US Airways

Hotel Company Board Representatives
· Lisa Fues, Director of Reservations, Inventory and Distribution, Marriott International

· Jennifer Ginty, Director of Electronic Distribution, Global Hyatt

· Melissa Montana, Director of Distribution and Content Delivery, Hilton Hotels Corporation

Rental Car Company Board Representatives
· John Turato, Vice President of Technology, Avis Budget Group

· James White, Director of Global Automated Marketing, The Hertz Corporation

Non-Supplier Board Representatives
· Alan E. Young, Vice President, IBS Software Services Americas, Ltd

· Nitin Keskar, Director of Software Development, Sabre

· Saeed Karim, Chief Technology Officer, Softbrands

· Kevin Short, Client Industry Executive for Global Travel and Hospitality, EDS

International Board Representative
· John Lambe, Chief Technology Officer, OpenJaw Technologies (based in Dublin, Ireland)

In addition, the board elected the following individuals as officers:

Chair – Alan E. Young, IBS Software Services Americas, Ltd

Vice-Chair – John Lambe, OpenJaw Technologies

Treasurer – James White, Hertz

"When OpenTravel began, there was no easy or accepted method for trading partners to exchange travel and traveler information. From availability and booking now to mobile, content and dynamic packaging, we have consistently provided the travel industry with critical tools needed to survive in the internet-driven world," said Alan Young, chair of the OpenTravel board of directors.

He added, "Because the travel industry is now dealing with economic and environmental pressures, OpenTravel will become even more important to both the vendor and supplier communities because implementing the standard has proven cost and efficiency benefits."

The first of OpenTravel's two Advisory Forums in 2009 will be held in Seattle, Washington April 22-29, 2009.

For the first time, OpenTravel will hold an Advisory Forum in Europe in the fall of 2009. The location and date will be announced later this year.