Dr Frenzel will assume the role in April

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has announced Dr Michael Frenzel, chairman of the executive board at TUI AG, will take over as chairman of the organisation from April 20th 2012.

Frenzel has been a member of the WTTC Executive Committee since 2000 and a leading member since he joined in 1999.

He will serve as chairman for a two-year term.

He replaces Geoffrey Kent, founder, chairman & chief executive, Abercrombie & Kent, who was appointed to the position in 2007.

Frenzel joined Preussag AG in 1988 and was appointed executive chairman in 1994.

Under his leadership, the company was repositioned into Europe’s leading tourism group, TUI AG, which now comprises three main businesses – London-listed TUI Travel, TUI Hotels & Resorts, and TUI Cruises.

WTTC president David Scowsill said: “Over a 20 year period, Dr Frenzel has transformed his company from a multi-business conglomerate into Europe’s leading travel company with over 73,000 staff and revenue of €17.5 billion.

“This is an extraordinary achievement in a hugely competitive and demanding environment. His experience, perspective and knowledge of our industry will be invaluable assets to WTTC as we take our message to more people in more places in the coming years.”

Scowsill continued: “I would like to thank Geoffrey Kent for his unswerving dedication and tireless support to WTTC over the past years.

“Geoffrey is an adventurer by nature who has been a great champion for everything that WTTC stands for.

“We look forward to his ongoing contribution as a member of our executive committee.