American Express Global Business Travel has appointed David Thompson as its new chief information and technology officer.

He formally assumes the role later this year and will be based in Phoenix, Arizona.

Thompson joins from Western Union, a global financial services company, where he was chief technology officer and executive vice president of global operations.

In that role, he oversaw the company’s IT strategy, operations, information security, and product development.

Thompson will join the American Express GBT operating committee and report to chief executive, Doug Anderson.

Anderson said: “Technology and innovation are central to our business.

“It is crucial, therefore, to have someone with David’s experience and expertise driving our strategy.

“I am delighted to welcome him to the organisation.”

In his new role, Thompson will be responsible for enterprise technology, application development, IT operations and data systems, information security and the product development teams.

Thompson said: “GBT’s significant investment in technology is guided by a clear strategic vision.

“This is an exciting time to be joining the organisation, and I look forward to working with Doug and the team.”