Tanner To Helm BCD Sales

BCD Travel has hired Travis Tanner, former CEO of Carlson Wagonlit Travel, as executive vice president of global sales, reporting to Mike Buckman, CEO of the travel management company. In taking the sales lead, Tanner enables Mary Ellen George, who previously wore both global sales and consulting hats, to focus exclusively on BCD's new consulting arm as executive vice president of global consulting.

George will meld parts from WorldTravel and TQ3 to bring together a global organization that is 55 consultants strong.

Buckman said creating a separate consulting group was driven by client demand. "Suppliers are watching contracts with more scrutiny than ever, and our customers—especially those with multinational or global programs—require quantitative data to demonstrate performance."

In addition to his six-year stint as CEO for Carlson Wagonlit, Tanner most recently served as COO of the Americas for Sky Chefs and as executive vice president of Walt Disney Attractions. Of his return to the corporate side of the industry, Tanner said he joins a company he "always viewed as great competition," adding that the strength he brings to BCD lies in understanding and working with global customers.

"I have some experience in dealing with issues that relate to travel becoming globalized," said Tanner. "For example, I really understand why it's important to have a presence around the world that you own and control, because I went down that path before and it doesn't work when you have affiliates. As it relates to strategically driving what customers need within the company, I plan to be that sounding board for the company."

Of Tanner's appointment, CEO Buckman said in a statement, "Travis has a proven track record of achievements as CEO, COO and EVP of Fortune 500 and large, privately held companies and BCD Travel will benefit from his extensive leadership skills. His experience will enable us to move quickly as we capitalize on our successful global launch."