Scott Davies is to take over from Simone Buckley as chief executive of the Institute of Travel Management next month.
He was most recently UK director of client management at Hogg Robinson Group.
Davies started his career at British Airways and has held roles at Amadeus and Virgin Atlantic.
He has also been a voluntary member of the ITM board of directors for two years.
Davies was selected following a four-month recruitment process lead by a quorum of ITM board directors.
ITM chairman Karen Hutchings said: “The role of ITM CEO is high profile and requires an individual who has a depth of knowledge in the business travel sector, proven business acumen and the gravitas and personality to represent our members on industry issues.
“We were looking for someone who could continue the evolution of the association from the strong platform that has been created to date.
“We are delighted to have someone in Scott who has both the depth of knowledge and the energy and enthusiasm to achieve these goals.
“Scott really understands ITM and its members and the challenges that the association and the industry will face over the coming years.”
Davies added: “I found my time as a board director incredibly rewarding and have always been an advocate for ITM.
“I feel passionate about this opportunity and am looking forward to building upon Simone’s success, and leading the association in the next exciting phase of its journey.”