American Express Global Business Travel announced today that 30-year business travel industry veteran John Caldwell has joined its Advisory Services organization as a senior consultant.  He will primarily be responsible for further developing the practice areas of Advisory Services and ensuring the continued focus on delivering what buyers need to be successful in strategically managing a travel program. Mr. Caldwell joins American Express from Caldwell Associates, which he founded in 1988 after several years as an attorney and consultant representing corporate buyers in the commercial travel industry.

“John Caldwell has had many achievements in his career that altered the way companies manage and book travel,” said Hervé Sedky, Senior Vice President and General Manager, American Express Global Business Travel.  “He has earned an unparalleled reputation for innovative, cutting edge consulting for travel industry buyers. We are excited to welcome John and infuse his experience as we continue to grow our Advisory Services offering and ensure we consistently deliver what our clients need in this dynamic and ever-changing environment.”

Mr. Caldwell started out in the industry as an attorney and consultant representing the interests of corporate travel buyers, and notably the National Passenger Travel Association, which in present day is known as the Global Business Travel Association, in the administrative case that deregulated the airline industry.  Later, Mr. Caldwell went on to pioneer the practice of establishing service level agreements in the industry, as well as numerous techniques for best in class sourcing of all types of commercial travel services.  He has extensive experience in supporting multinational buyers through program evaluations and benchmarking, sourcing, and negotiations and contracting.

“After a lengthy career conducting my own consulting practice exclusively for corporate travel buyers, I have decided to close my practice and change direction. I look forward to joining the leading global travel management company,” said John Caldwell.  “I have always admired American Express for its comprehensive approach to managed travel programs and the company’s focus on blending consulting and solutions to help meet buyers’ needs.”

Sedky concluded, “Adding an industry leader recognized for developing innovative approaches to travel management on behalf of buyers clearly aligned well with our business model.  John was the obvious choice to further our efforts to deliver client-focused advice and insights”.

Mr. Caldwell is an honors graduate of Hamilton College, received his LL.B. from the Harvard Law School and was a JAG officer in the US Marine Corps.