Laurens Leurink to Lead Distribution Business at Amadeus
Amadeus today announces that Laurens Leurink is appointed Senior Vice President, Distribution, effective January 1, 2017, and will become a member of the company’s Executive Committee.
Leurink, who joined Amadeus earlier in 2016 following successful stints at Expedia and Booking.com, succeeds Holger Taubmann who has led the Distribution business unit since 2011 and is stepping down for personal reasons. His new role will be announced in due course.
Having spent his career working first in finance and latterly in the online travel industry, Leurink brings financial, commercial and strategic acumen as well as deep travel industry knowledge to Amadeus.
At Booking.com, where he was Chief Operating Officer, he was credited with driving a successful expansion outside of the company’s core European market. At Expedia Laurens was President of the Lodging Services Division.
“The distribution world is changing rapidly, presenting exciting new opportunities for us,” said Luis Maroto, President and CEO of Amadeus. “Laurens’ experience with two dynamic and innovative online travel business as well as his strong strategic and financial acumen make him the ideal leader to follow Holger Taubmann and continue guiding Amadeus through this changing market and maintaining our industry leadership.”
Taubmann, in addition to leading Amadeus' Distribution through a strong period of growth also drove the diversification of the business. During his tenure Amadeus has strengthened its position in Corporate IT and Leisure through the acquisition of IFAO AG and Pyton, among others. In addition, he paved the way into Digital Advertising with the acquisition of Travelaudience.
“I’d like to thank Holger for his excellent contribution over the past five years. Under his strong leadership our Distribution business has grown significantly. He has driven our expansion in markets such as the US and Asia and in key segments such as online travel, improving our competitive position,” Maroto said. “Holger leaves Laurens a vibrant and successful business that is equipped to face the opportunities and challenges it faces.”
About Amadeus
Amadeus is a leading provider of advanced technology solutions for the global travel industry. Customer groups include travel providers (e.g. airlines, hotels, rail and ferry operators, etc.), travel sellers (travel agencies and websites), and travel buyers (corporations and travel management companies).
The Amadeus group employs around 14,000 people worldwide, across central sites in Madrid (corporate headquarters), Nice (development) and Erding (operations), as well as over 70 local Amadeus Commercial Organisations globally and has a presence in more than 190 countries.
The group operates a transaction-based business model.
Amadeus is listed on the Spanish Stock Exchange under the symbol "AMS.MC" and is a component of the IBEX 35 index.
To find out more about Amadeus please visit www.amadeus.com, and www.amadeus.com/blog for more on the travel industry.
