Orbitz
has named prominent technology executive Christopher Hjelm as Chief Technology Officer. Hjelm, with nearly 20 years experience in his field, is known for his work in creating and advancing world-class technology platforms at high-growth Internet companies as well as in Fortune 500 environments.

Hjelm will be responsible for all aspects of technology, ensuring that Orbitz continues its industry-leading role in providing the lowest cost and most consumer-friendly technology platform in online travel. In that role, he will lead the company`s technology strategies, engineering, architecture and site operations.

Before joining Orbitz, Hjelm served as senior vice president for technology at eBay Inc., in San Jose, CA, overseeing all aspects of technology. Under Hjelm`s leadership, eBay achieved record levels of site quality and reliability during a period of accelerating global business growth and new product introductions.

Hjelm`s credentials also include a 14-year tenure at Federal Express Corp., in Memphis, Tenn., where he was senior vice president and chief information officer, and executive positions at Excite@Home in Redwood City, CA; and Zoho Corp. in Sunnyvale, CA.

“Chris is a proven leader and a technology executive with a well-known track record of accomplishment at companies with outstanding IT capabilities and customer service. He will be a great asset to Orbitz as we move forward in scaling our innovative technology and developing new travel management features that provide a superior customer experience,” said Jeff Katz, Orbitz President and CEO.

At Federal Express, Hjelm led a worldwide organization of more than 5,000, responsible for IT planning, development, operations and revenue operations. Hjelm held a wide variety of leadership roles at the company that included reengineering of the global billing process and systems, formation of technology strategic planning and architecture, and worldwide standardization and expansion of technology services and products during a period of rapid international growth.

At Excite@Home, he was executive vice president for broadband network services which included responsibility for operations, engineering and product development. During his time there, the company led the evolution of the network and application services to become the broadband industry benchmark for speed and reliability.

Hjelm brings relevant airline and hospitality experience through his time at Federal Express and as former CEO of Zoho Corp., a technology start-up focused on delivering a revolutionary e-procurement and financial management system for hospitality owners and suppliers.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Colorado State University in Ft. Collins and an honorary Ph.D. in Computer Science from Colorado Technical University. Hjelm will be relocating with his family from California to Winnetka, Ill.

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