Press Release

For Immediate Release
18 January 2011

ACTE Welcomes New European Representative to Key Position on Board of Directors

Alexandria, VA --

The result of elections for the European regional board seat for the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) has been announced with Yves Galimidi, Global Travel Purchaser, IKEA and ACTE Europe’s Regional Chair, being elected.

Mr Galimidi, based in Belgium, will serve a three-year term from 1 January 2011 to 31 December  2013.

Regional Board members, who are the main liaison between the ACTE Regional Chair, ACTE members in that region, and the ACTE Board of Directors, drive strategy and growth in the region, provide leadership and guidance to the ACTE Regional Chair and ensure their region is aligned with ACTE’s overall strategy and goals.

Commenting on his appointment Mr Galimidi said: “I have no doubts that ACTE is today driving change through continuous improvement, being the leader in global education and defining best practices for the global business travel industry, which during the last few years has become a very complex and extremely challenging professional sector. I intend to actively contribute to the growth of ACTE and enlarge its membership base, both on the corporate side and on the supplier side. I am convinced that fostering the relations between both sides is and will remain a key element.  I also intend to enhance networking and benchmarking opportunities between ACTE members. Sharing our experiences, both good and bad, is certainly the best possible way for us to develop and advance together."

Elections also took place for two other regional board seats – United States and the Middle East & Africa.

Mary Bastrentaz, Senior Director - Global Travel & Events, Accenture is the new regional board member for the United States.

Roland Bunge, General Manager, Commercial, Kanoo Travel was voted onto the board as the representative for Middle East & Africa.

To download a photograph of Galimidi, please click here.

For more information, contact:
Debbie Flynn
CEO
Brighter Group
The Pod, London's Vertical Gateway
Bridges Wharf, Battersea
London SW11 3BE England
T: 020 7326 9880
F: 020 7326 9890
E: [email protected]
W: www.brightergroup.com