The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) — the voice of the global business travel industry — has announced the appointment of a new general manager for Australia and New Zealand.

Rachel Harper joins GBTA with a business development background in commercial sales, operations and marketing from the travel and technology industries across large global corporates, TMCs and industry organisations.

Previous roles have included time as national account manager for European business rail provider, Eurostar, and marketing and business development manager for Spruson & Ferguson Intellectual Property in Australia.

The appointment is part of GBTA’s investment in the region to deliver and develop a new strategy created by the Australia/New Zealand board and GBTA’s chief global development officer after discussion with key stakeholders in the region.

Talking about the appointment, Paul Tilstone, GBTA chief global development officer, said: “Despite having had a fantastic response to the post from professionals throughout Australia, Rachel stood out from the beginning.

“She has sector expertise, a marketing focused approach and clear drive, energy and passion.

“I really got a sense from my visit that people want to see GBTA develop in the region and now we have the right person to take the association to the next level.”

Ms. Harper, who takes up the post from the end of April, said: “It is with great pleasure that I am joining GBTA as General Manager for Australia and New Zealand to deliver the association’s strategy in the region.

“I am really looking forward to starting the role and to fostering the long term growth of GBTA.”