ITM Board Instigates a UK Wide Search for Next CEO
Tilstone to move to Global Business Travel Association
The Institute of Travel & Meetings (ITM) has announced that Paul Tilstone will be seconded to the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) in a full-time position at the end of 2011 after six and a half years as chief executive of the association. ITM has advised members in a communication sent by its Chairman, Jamie Hindhaugh, on behalf of the board, that Tilstone is taking a full-time position with the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA). Full details of his role will be released by GBTA in due course.
The communication also refers to the board's thanks to Mr Tilstone for his determined and sustained drive to develop ITM into the respected association which exists today and its wishes for all of the success of the future for GBTA.
Tilstone joined ITM initially in 2004 as a Supplier Director whilst holding the post of Sales & Marketing Director for P&O Travel. He then took up the post of Executive Director of ITM in August 2005 and pledged to develop the association in three main areas, education, research and member benefits. In 2008 his role was changed to that of CEO to recognise the position's engagement with industry and government. Mr Tilstone served alongside a total of four Chairmen including Tom Stone (Sirius Management), Mark Avery (PwC), Caroline Strachan (Astra Zeneca) and Jamie Hindhaugh (BBC). He has been recognised in the role by Business Travel News "In recognition of accomplishment in shaping corporate travel" in 2007 and 2009 and received the Buying Business Travel Green Diamond Award for contribution of an individual in 2009 too.
Talking about his departure from leading the association, Tilstone said, "It has been a wonderful six and a half years at ITM and I would recommend the job to anyone who cares passionately about our industry. I always said I would stay 5 years at ITM but the constant change and development has tempted me to stay longer and I will miss being at the heart of this wonderful industry family. I will, however, continue to operate with the association in my new role as the ongoing strength of ITM is fundamental to the success of GBTA in Europe, and it's great that ITM will have the opportunity for fresh leadership to see it through to its next stage."
The association has announced a search for its new CEO and hopes to have the new individual in place before the end of the year to ensure "...a steady handover at the helm of ITM."
Mr Hindhaugh praised Tilstone's contribution to the association by saying, "Paul has quite simply been the driving force behind ITM to date and I speak on behalf of all previous Chairmen that he has worked with, in saying that his energy, commitment and creativity have ensured ITM has continuously developed in an ever changing marketplace. His legacy is a strong and inclusive ITM and his move will ensure that GBTA continues to go from strength to strength in Europe and beyond. As GBTA Europe is a vital element of ITM's focus on partnerships he will therefore continue to serve the membership. The Institute of Travel & Meetings has an exciting future and in appointing a new CEO we will focus on continuing to develop the incredible opportunities that our strong foundations enable."
The association is asking all interested parties to contact the ITM Chairman for further information at this stage.
