Press Release
For Immediate Release
23 October 2006
ACTE Cites Two for Industry Innovation and Excellence
Barcelona, Spain -- Two business travel industry leaders received the Association of Corporate Travel Executives' (ACTE) highest awards for dedication to the profession and performance within the industry at the group’s Global Conference in Barcelona, Spain. Andreas Mutschler, EMEA Manager, Meeting & Travel Services for BearingPoint; and Keiko Sund, Country Travel Representative, Cargill Japan Limited received ACTE's 2006 Advancing the Industry Award.
"These are the professionals who make ACTE the leading global education and research resource for the business travel industry," said ACTE President Greeley Koch. "Their insight and example is exceeded only by their enthusiasm and dedication to the travel management profession. Both have left an indelible mark on this association and on our profession."
In a ceremony before 1,000 delegates from over 38 countries, Koch detailed the achievements of each recipient. The "Advancing the Industry Award" is presented to ACTE members who demonstrate the highest degree of initiative and innovative thinking as an example to the industry.
Andreas Mutschler conducted an integrated change management programme in BearingPoint to improve ROI across EMEA on their travel spend. The integrated programme which was conducted in a structured systematic way, focusing on two areas:
• Increasing transparency and cost-consciousness regarding business travel
• Providing tools to enable more effective and cost efficient travel planning for all traveling employees.
Within the past year, Mutscler reported significant increases in online booking tool adoption, an increase in average ticket price savings, and a positive impact on travel and other internal departments. Mutschler attributes effective communications with upper management as a key element in his change management strategy.
Keiko Sund came forth as an invaluable source of information on doing business in Japan in the current economic climate, and strongly urged ACTE to address this subject in a regional forum. She played a pivotal role on the programme advisory committee for the 2006 Asia-Pacific Regional Education Conference, identifying industry leaders in Japan as presenters, discussing content, and organizing meetings.
Sund also set aside her own busy schedule to lend support to the presenting team at the conference. The result was a resoundingly successful educational session which delivered new-found knowledge for both regional and international constituents of the industry about the Japanese market.
"These industry giants lead by example, and have defined their careers through dedication to ACTE and by adhering to its principles," said Koch. "These are honors well deserved."
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