ITM Announces New CEO
The Institute of Travel & Meetings (ITM) has confirmed the appointment of Simone Buckley as their new CEO. Ms Buckley will replace Paul Tilstone as head of the organisation on the 1st of January 2012, but starts in the post on the 1st November to ensure an effective hand-over of the association.
Ms Buckley has a wealth of experience both on the supplier and buyer side of the travel industry. She has held roles previously as Managing Director of Capita Business Travel and Sales Director at Carlson Wagonlit Travel before establishing a new UK consultancy, Bouda, in 2009. She will be relinquishing her role within Bouda in order to take up this position.
Ms Buckley, was chosen after a thorough recruitment process undertaken by a specially selected ITM board panel. Talking about the recruitment process and appointment, ITM's chairman, Mr Jamie Hindhaugh said; "The recruitment process attracted a talented shortlist of outstanding individuals which gave us a perspective on how well ITM is perceived in the industry. Simone reflects all of the attributes we hold dearly at ITM. She is driven, professional, inclusive and knowledgeable and at the same time someone with character and charisma. ITM has a bright future."
Ms Buckley will be joining the association's annual strategic review in October.
Commenting on her new role, Ms Buckley said; "I am delighted to have been appointed by the board. I have always been an advocate for ITM and have respected their work and industry position. To take the helm and manage the transition to the new chair, Nicola Lomas, in 2012 will be a real honour. As this exciting industry continues to change and develop I am looking forward to being a part of the on-going evolution that will ensure a future ITM that continues to benefit buyers and suppliers alike."
The association is shortly to announce the dates and location of its annual conference, Intelligence 2012, to the industry.
Simone Buckley - Biography
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Simone has a wealth of experience in the business travel industry having held various roles over the last 18 years, in operations, account management, sales and marketing at Travel Management Companies. Most recently Simone co-founded the travel consultancy, Bouda, where she was Director of Travel Programme Optimisation and worked with a number of companies in a Travel Manager capacity.
Previously she held the position of Managing Director at Capita Business Travel where she was responsible for the strategy, sales and overall management of the company targeting both the public and private sector. During this time she was appointed onto the Executive Board of the GTMC where she chaired the Surface Transport Working Party and worked diligently with her peers on leading industry initiatives.
Simone has both national and global experience previously holding senior positions at Carlson Wagonlit Travel, Rosenbluth International and HRG.
