Former Opodo chief executive David Scowsill has been named as president and chief executive of the World Travel & Tourism Council.
He succeeds Jean-Claude Baumgarten, who is standing down after more than ten years in the role. Baumgarten will continue to support and advise the organisation as vice-chairman.
Scowsill, who has held senior roles at British Airways, American Airlines, EasyJet, Worldhotels and Hilton International, starts on November 15.
He will be responsible for the organisation’s work to raise awareness of the importance of travel and tourism and its $5.8 trillion value to the global economy.
Scowsill will represent the interests of travel and tourism’s top private sector enterprises to governments worldwide.
WTTC chairman Geoffrey Kent said Scowsill will bring “invaluable experience and connections from the aviation industry which – although a major contributor to economic wealth and social prosperity – continues to be disadvantaged by undue legislation and taxation.
“His financial sector experience will help us draw more attention to the investment poured into countries by major travel and tourism businesses, which is expected to more than double over the coming decade,” Kent said.
Scowsill said: “I have long supported the WTTC and I have enormous respect for its heritage and vision. The organisation has a vital role to play in raising awareness of the true value of the industry, which accounts for 9.2% of global GDP.”
Beaumgarten said: “After more than a decade driving the reputation of WTTC and raising the profile of the economic importance of travel and tourism, I am looking forward to taking on new challenges.
“Our annual Summit has become one of the most valuable conferences for our industry and although I leave WTTC in David’s very capable hands, as a vice chairman, I will continue to help him prepare for the next event in Las Vegas.”