BCD Travel, the Amsterdam-based travel management company, has created its own global consulting practice headed by Mary Ellen George.
Ms George, formerly head of BCD's global sales and professional services division, becomes the company's executive vp global consulting.
The TMC's new executive vp of global sales is industry veteran Travis Tanner, ceo of Carlson Wagonlit Travel in 1993-1999.
Ms George said her new unit would concentrate on "advisory and project management services" for clients.
"We listen to the client first, and tailor each engagement to the client's very specific requirements. This team has incredible depth of knowledge at both global and local levels, and what we're seeing throughout the world is a real need for progressive, proactive programme support and simple, streamlined solutions," Ms George said.
BCD's consulting service was previously linked to its global sales division. Mike Buckman, BCD's ceo, said the decision to separate them was in response to client demand for analytical services beyond traditional requirements for air, car and hotel.
He added: "Our customer research and the market tell us that a more analytical approach to travel management is a must in these days of revenue and profitability pressure.
“As a customer-led organization, this is something we take seriously. Suppliers are watching contracts with more scrutiny than ever, and our customers - especially those with multi-national or global programmes - require quantitative data to demonstrate performance."
Mr Tanner joins BCD from Sky Chefs where he has been chief operating officer for the
Americas since 2004.
He has previously been president of Carlson Travel (1985-88), executive vp of Walt Disney Attractions (1989-93), and ceo for Carlson Wagonlit Travel (1993-99).
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