Amadeus has promoted UK & Ireland managing director Diane Bouzebiba to the role of director of distribution strategic initiatives, based in the company’s headquarters in Madrid.
Bouzebiba’s new role will be effective from February 1, 2015.
Amadeus said its distribution business plays a vital role in enabling the company to identify and deliver innovative products and services that promote long-term, sustainable profitability for the travel and tourism industry. At the same time, it also seeks to equip the industry to meet the dynamic and diverse needs of today’s travellers.
Bouzebiba, who was UK & Ireland managing director for three years, will be responsible for overseeing strategic initiatives and diversifying Amadeus’s solution and service offerings.
“The growth opportunities she will spearhead are a critical part of Amadeus’s ongoing efforts to deliver a broader range of products, services, and business-enhancing solutions,” a spokeswoman for the company said.
“Amadeus is in the process of hiring a new managing director and they’re looking both internally and externally for the right candidate with the particular skillset to effectively lead Amadeus in the UK and Ireland markets.
“The existing UK leadership team is extremely strong and they are confident there will be a smooth transition; Diane will also assist with the handover to her successor to ensure this.”
David Doctor, Amadeus’s vice president Western Europe, Middle East Africa, said: “Career development is very important to Amadeus, and Diane has worked hard to help us expand in the UK, a strategic market with high growth opportunities.
“This move is a natural progression for Diane, and for Amadeus. The time is right for us to build on Diane’s wealth of experience as we expand and diversify into new areas.”
Bouzebiba added: “I am excited to be taking this next step with Amadeus to develop strategic initiatives from a global perspective.
“For almost three years now I have thoroughly enjoyed working in the UK & Ireland markets. I am fully confident that the management team I put in place will continue working closely with customers as they take Amadeus in the UK and Ireland to the next level.”
Bouzebiba joined Amadeus in 2001 as part of the front office business development group, before becoming senior manager of Amadeus Tours. She has also worked as the business unit manager for Amadeus Rail.
Most recently, she held the position of managing director of Amadeus UK & Ireland, where she worked on a number of initiatives including deploying more low fare airline content, integrating hotel bedbanks, and enhancing mobile platforms.