President Obama has appointed Sabre Holdings chief executive Sam Gilliland to a board of private sector executives that will advise the Management Council on best business practices related to productivity, the application of technology and customer service. 

Established by Executive Order on April 19th, 2010, the President’s Management Advisory Board (PMAB) is part of the president’s ongoing commitment to cut waste and get the most from taxpayer dollars. Ten private sector executives were appointed to the board.

Sabre Holdings is one of the world’s largest travel technology companies with 10,000 employees in 60 countries around the world.

The company serves corporations, airlines, travel agencies, hotels, tour operators, and car, rail and cruise providers around the world, as well as travellers through its online travel agency, Travelocity.

A recognised leader in the travel and tourism industry, Gilliland will draw from Sabre’s innovative business practices to provide input and direction to the government on the delivery of new technology, continuous improvement of business processes, attracting and retaining top talent, and customer service enhancement.

“It’s an honour to be appointed to the President’s Management Advisory Board to improve efficiency within the government sector. This is a terrific opportunity for the private sector community to share best practices with the government, assist in the evolution of state infrastructure, and play a role in steering the country back to prosperity,” he said.

Gilliland already advises the U.S government on a wide range of travel and tourism policy issues including air traffic control, environmental issues and airport security.  He was appointed by Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke to the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board, where he serves as chair of the Advocacy Subcommittee.  He is also co-chair of the Blue Ribbon Panel for Frictionless Aviation Security. 

The company views technology as a key driver of innovation in the travel industry, and invests hundreds of millions of dollars each year on innovative products that help its customers generate revenues, reduce costs and enhance customer service. 

The establishment of PMAB builds on the work of the President’s Accountable Government Initiative and the 2010 White House Forum on Modernising Government, which brought together 50 of the country’s top Chief Executive Officers including Gilliland, who shared ideas about adapting their proven techniques and practices to spark improvements in efficiency and effectiveness across the government.