Travelport first for German market

Growth in the German market achieved by Travelport over the last two years has prompted the GDS to appoint its first dedicated manager for the country.

The private equity-owned parent of the Galileo and Worldspan distribution systems claimed to occupy the number two slot in Germany.

The German market is currently overseen by Chris Dorner, who also has responsibility operations in Switzerland.

But from January 18 Juergen Witte will take on responsibilities for Germany reporting to Olaf Gueldner, president and managing director of Europe and Brazil.

Dorner will focus on the Swiss region where Travelport said it has ambitious plans to expand.

Witte will join Travelport’s from online travel agent ebookers.com where he has been managing director for Germany and Austria for the past four years.

Prior to that, he has held a number of senior travel industry roles in high profile organizations including TUI Deutschland, Thomas Cook AG, American Express and Deutsches Reiseburo.

Gueldner said the decision to dedicate resources in the German market was testament to the work Dorner has done over the last two years.

He added: “I am thrilled that someone of Juergen’s calibre is joining our European management team and believe he will be a great asset to our business in Germany.

“He is a very talented individual and has extensive knowledge and experience of the local travel industry and a highly customer-centric approach.”

Witte added: “I am delighted to be joining Travelport’s GDS business at such an exciting time and very much look forward to meeting customers in this region and really getting to grips with their requirements from a GDS partner.”