Travelport ha appointment Bernard Bot as chief financial officer.

Bot joins Travelport on January 1st, 2016, from Aer Lingus, Ireland’s national airline, where, as the airline’s chief financial officer, he played an instrumental role in completing the recent €1.4 billion takeover by International Airlines Group. 

A Dutch national, who also speaks fluent English and French, Bot will be based in the company’s global headquarters in Langley, UK, and will report to chief executive, Gordon Wilson.

He will take over as head of Travelport’s finance function which includes investor relations, M&A, treasury, tax, financial planning and analysis, audit, controllership and procurement.   

Bot will replace incumbent chief financial officer, Philip Emery, who will be taking a break in his career to spend more time with his family, and the two will work together during the first few months of 2016 to ensure a smooth handover of duties. 

Emery will also continue in his role as a board member of Travelport controlled subsidiaries, eNett and Locomote, until he leaves the company in 2016. 

Wilson said: “Bernard Bot has a very impressive track record – he is a proven public company chief financial officer with extensive experience of running a finance function for two high profile, international companies.

“He also possesses strong business acumen, backed by an earlier career in strategic consultancy, which has enabled him to have an impact way beyond the immediate remit of his function. 

“As we continue to deliver the Travelport vision of redefining travel commerce, having someone with Bernard’s challenging thinking, intellect and experience on our leadership team will be highly advantageous.”