Bernard Harrop, one of the leading figures in business travel management, has left American Express and plans to set up his own company
Mr Harrop worked nine years for the global travel management company, most recently in the role of director business affairs Europe.
It was his work in this role, particularly over the campaign to persuade the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to changes its rules under which agents operated, that led to his nomination in 2004 as one of the world's Top 25 most influential figures in business travel by the US magazine Business Travel News.
He worked with both TMCs and corporates to bring about changes which have been introduced over the last year.
Before joining Amex, Mr Harrop worked for BA, rising to head of global sales.
He plans to reveal details of his new company later this month.
Amadeus to add Eurostar to content
GDS and IT company Amadeus will add content for Eurostar to its agents' screens in the UK early in 2007.
It is expected to be available in other European countries later next year.
Under the development, Eurostar will be displayed alongside short haul airline content.
The high speed train service between London and Paris and Brussels has developed the Eurostar GDS Gateway technology with Amadeus. It is already being used in the US.
The technology will also be available to other GDSs, including Galileo, Sabre and Worldspan.
Amadeus said the on screen display will enable travel management companies and other users, including corporates and individuals, to compare air and rail prices between London and Paris and London and Brussels.
Agents will also have access to information on seat availability, a seat map, reservations and confirmations.
Albert Pozo, Amadeus' managing director travel services and leisure, said: "Amadeus recognises that high-speed railways are being developed all across the world, making high-speed railway services a clear alternative to short-haul air.
"Both Eurostar and Amadeus have recognised that a priority for TMCs, agents and consumers is to provide them with the ability to easily compare fares and availability for international rail travel on a single screen alongside airlines."