ONE OF THE MOST interesting changes Buying Business Travel noticed last year when compiling its leading 50 travel management companies (TMCs) was the increasing importance of IT. For the first time, many TMCs listed their IT directors among their key personnel. Recognising the ever- growing importance of technology in business travel in the UK, BBT decided to compile a list of the 20 people who have had the most influence in business travel technology over the past year. To create this list we gathered together a panel of experts from across the industry, as follows (in alphabetical order):
n Richard Boardman Chief executive of Reed & Mackay and chair of the technology working party at the Guild of Travel Management Companies (GTMC) n Simone Buckley Chief executive of the Institute of Travel & Meetings (ITM) n Mark Frary Technology expert and regular Buying Business T
ravel
writer (chair) n Jamie Hindhaugh Head of production L2012 and head of sourcing – logistics for the BBC n Kevin May Editor of travel technology publication Tnooz n Simon McLean Managing director of Click Travel n Andrew Solum Consultant and travel buyer for Travel Industry Associates n Duncan Spokes Head of the business travel category at buying consortium Pro5 and the Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation n Paul Tilstone Managing director of GBTA Europe
58
Each was asked to name up to five people with influence in relation to business travel technology, although panellists were unable to name their own staff or suppliers. Many names appeared more than once and this is the basis for the ranking below. The basis for inclusion was very broad and included those people whose work in technology has affected the business traveller in a positive way, as well as heads of technology and chief executives working for business travel companies.