Ron DiLeo is leaving his post at American Express Business Travel as senior vp business travel EMEA to return to America.
He will be succeeded by David Herrick, currently senior vp global establishment services Europe.
Mr DiLeo, a major figure in business travel, joined American Express when it took over rival travel management company Rosenbluth international in 2003.
He told BTE: "After the acquisition my wife and I were going to take a couple of years out. But I agreed to stay on for this assignment for three years and we are coming to the end of it now."
Mr DiLeo said he would be working with his successor through September and leaving in October.
He said he would be seeking opportunities both outside American Express and within the company “but not in travel.” He added: "I am talking with a couple of business units at American Express now."
His successor joined American Express 22 years ago and has been in his current post for the last four years.
His previous roles have included vp merchant acquisition and vp strategic relationships where he was responsible for relationships with airlines, hotels and suppliers.
Charles Petruccelli, American Express's president global travel services, paid tribute to Mr DiLeo: "He has led the market through enormous re-engineering efforts, consistently growing the European business, driving double digit new sales growth and re-signed business.
"Joining American Express Business Travel through the acquisition of Rosenbluth International in 2003, Ron rose to the professional challenge of a three year relocation to London to lead the European business and hands over a strong business for future growth under David's leadership."
* see BTE's recruitment site www.businesstraveljobs.com