BCD Travel continues to strengthen Gulf capabilities

2007 was a successful year for BCD Travel in the region, which saw the acquisition and implementation of a number of new multi-national clients, combined with strengthening the regional presence with significant new operations in both Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

The recruitment of a regional strategic development manager will accelerate the momentum and growth of BCD Travel's presence in the region, ensuring closer alignment of each local operation and matching that with client needs.

With a strong background in airlines and travel management companies, Mr Ali's placement in the role reflects the growing nature of BCD Travel where his key responsibilities will include local, regional and global business development, both new and organic growth; focus on regional technology applications complementing global product and service offerings; new product development; consolidation of operational and IT processes; building and managing regional supplier relations opportunities; and the ongoing implementation of multinational clients across the countries.

Working closely with the senior executives from BCD Travel's eight Gulf countries: Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, Mr Ali will also drive internal communication and training initiatives across these markets ensuring the delivery of consistently high service levels and strong marketing messaging synonymous with the BCD Travel brand globally. An additional responsibility will be the expansion of BCD Travel into new territories in line with growing client demand for BCD Travel's total corporate travel management solutions in the Gulf.

"Rehan's detailed résumé speaks for itself, with such a comprehensive background in the travel industry covering a number of key markets such as Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE, we are delighted to have secured him in this important role. With the Middle East region becoming such an important hub and experiencing significant growth it represents a great opportunity for BCD Travel," said Greg O'Neil, Managing Director & Senior Vice President, Growth & Emerging Markets.

"This new position, added to our growing representation and service offerings throughout the Middle East means we are now better positioned than ever before to deliver our high quality, consistent travel solutions to national, regional and multinational customers."