Washburn Joins Orbitz For Biz

After more than three years as vice president of corporate travel with Aon Corp., Harriet Washburn took a position "to which I feel like I've been working my whole career." Washburn last week accepted the role of director of national sales and account management with Orbitz For Business, reporting to corporate travel general manager David Cerino.

"I'm just brimming with excitement," said Washburn, who privately has been boosting Orbitz For Business and concepts like it since before its launch. "I think there will be an accelerated migration to online travel agencies. It's inescapable, because it's such an appropriate service model for corporations. Most companies want to know where travelers are, have access to rich content and track those expenses—and they'd like it at the right price point."

Washburn said working as a corporate buyer provided her with "more compassion about the machinations involved in engaging the travel buying process. The buying process is increasingly complex, and I'm fortunate to have participated." Previously, Washburn spent about 10 years with Carlson Wagonlit Travel. She also worked at American Express and Thomas Cook.

That agency experience will complement an organization whose two leaders—Cerino and Orbitz vice president of business services Rick Weber—have mainly GDS and airline backgrounds, respectively. "I'm confident Orbitz can unequivocally deliver on all commitments it's making," Washburn said. "I think we'll have two priorities: First, ensuring that the pilots and customers we already have engaged are completely satisfied so they can serve as references. And secondly, we need to offer significant communication about the capabilities of the offering. My sense is that people don't understand it's a comprehensive offering. I've watched corporations struggle with adoption of the more traditional online tools, and Orbitz is introducing something with which travelers are entirely comfortable. It's a really good solution for companies of all sizes." She said Orbitz For Business intends to build a bigger team for sales and account management.