The Global Business Travel Association Southern Africa (GBTA SA) the voice of the global business travel industry today announced the appointment of Mr Jim Weighell as its Director of Operations for Southern Africa.

Mr Weighell will lead GBTA initiatives in Southern Africa and and will be responsible for the growth and development of GBTA SA by overseeing the delivery of the association¹s full membership, events, education and training as well as facilitating industry solution discussions between corporate travel buyers and key industry bodies.

Jim, who lives in Johannesburg, has contributed to the development of GBTA SA since it’s the inception of ITMSA in 2006, as a member, sponsor, and also during his term of office as a Board Director of GBTA SA… Jim’s 37 year career in travel includes service with British Airways, American Airlines, and Sure Travel as the head of the Sure Corporate brand.

On Mr Weighell’s appointment, Linda Basson (GBTA SA Chairman) commented I am delighted to welcome Jim to this role. He has a real passion for the Travel Industry coupled with a desire to educate and enhance the quality of service delivery throughout the travel supply chain. The appointment of Jim in this role is a clear indication of GBTA SA’s ongoing commitment to being a global organisation and to Southern Africa in particular.

Mr Weighell, who will take up this position on 1 May 2014, said I feel very privileged to be leading GBTA in Southern Africa. It offers such excellent value to its members through the networking; research and resources on GBTA Hub as well as its education programmes and the events we deliver in the region. I look forward to working closely with our marketing partners to develop member engagement and to promote the interests of the business travel industry in the region.