Kurt Ekert is being named senior vice president, Supplier Services for Cendant TDS.  Ekert most recently served as group vice president, Strategy and Business Development at Cendant TDS, and was previously chief operating officer of Travelport/Orbitz for Business, the provider of choice in corporate travel management.

In his new role, Ekert will be responsible for supplier services and all content for Cendant TDS Americas’ businesses, including Galileo, Orbitz, CheapTickets, Lodging.com, Travelport, Orbitz for Business, and THOR.  Ekert will report to Ken Esterow, president and CEO of Cendant TDS’ Travel Industry Services Americas group, and be a matrixed report to Mitch Truwit, president and CEO of global consumer travel at Cendant TDS.

“Kurt brings a wealth of industry expertise and understanding that will serve him well in this role. His deep knowledge of the supplier side of travel distribution will provide value to both the TDS brands as well as our supplier partners,” said Ken Esterow.  “His enthusiasm and proven commitment to the business made him the obvious choice for this position and will help drive the continued success of the organization.”

Ekert has substantial experience within the travel industry, and held a number of financial management positions at Continental Airlines prior to joining Cendant.  He also spent four years as an active duty Army officer.

Ekert received his Bachelor of Science degree from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and his Master of Business Administration from the University of South Carolina.

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