Travelport Corporate Solutions, Inc. today announced the appointments of Kurt Ekert to chief operating officer, and Michael Lee to vice president of marketing.

Reporting directly to Travelport’s president and CEO, Marka Jenkins, both executives will play an integral role in continuing to build Travelport.  Travelport, launched this summer in the United States at the National Business Travel Association conference, leverages Cendant’s Travel Distribution Services Division businesses by integrating the strengths of Highwire, a leading online corporate booking tool; Galileo International, a leading global travel distribution services (GDS) company; and in North America, Cendant’s travel agency, providing global fulfillment and 24/7 customer care services.

Kurt Ekert - Chief Operating Officer

As chief operating officer, Kurt Ekert is responsible for all operating, technology and business components of Travelport, including the development of the operating elements to be integrated across Cendant’s other distribution businesses. Ekert’s primary focus is to drive performance toward business goals, manage day-to-day operations and align the company around key, go-to-market strategies.

Prior to joining Travelport, Ekert served as vice president of strategy for Cendant’s Travel Distribution Services Division, where he was responsible for leveraging the synergies between the travel distribution assets assembled by Cendant over the past two years. His knowledge of Cendant’s vast travel solutions and services makes Ekert uniquely qualified to drive integration across Cendant business units to best serve Travelport’s customers.  Before joining Cendant, Ekert served in a number of financial management and operating positions at Continental Airlines. He also spent four years as an active duty Army officer.  Ekert earned a bachelor’s from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, as well as an MBA in strategic management from the University of South Carolina.

Michael Lee - Vice President of Marketing

Michael Lee’s appointment to vice president of marketing capitalizes on his background in e-commerce and marketing. Lee is responsible for Travelport’s marketing strategies and initiatives, including spearheading efforts to acquire new corporate customers and drive adoption.  Lee also leads Travelport branding initiatives, sales material development, sales events and customer communications.

Lee’s broad marketing experience was developed through travel industry and corporate positions.  He previously served as director of e-business ventures and marketing at Alaska Airlines where he was responsible for marketing the airline’s Web site, which included spearheading its advertising programs, distribution strategies and brand development efforts.  Over the course of his career, Lee has held a variety of marketing and product management positions at Expedia, Starbucks Coffee Company and American Airlines.  Lee earned a bachelor’s from the University of California and an MBA from Boston University’s Graduate School of Management.

“The appointments of seasoned industry professionals like Kurt and Michael further strengthens the Travelport organization. Their experience and leadership will help drive our success and add tremendous value in achieving our vision of being the leading corporate travel solutions provider,” said Marka Jenkins, president and CEO of Travelport.

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