Sabre Corporation has appointed Sean Menke as president, chief executive and a member of the company’s board.

Taking up the role on December 31st, Menke will succeed Tom Klein, who has served as president, chief executive and board member since 2013.

“After an extensive search of qualified candidates, the board unanimously concluded that Sean is the right choice to lead Sabre.

“Since his arrival last year, Sean has demonstrated that his strong industry knowledge and expertise coupled with his decisive, results-oriented management style are an effective combination.

“These traits will help Sabre drive innovation as the travel industry’s technology leader and serve the needs of airlines, hotels, travel agents and travellers alike.

“I look forward to working with Sean to make this happen,” said Larry Kellner, executive chairman of Sabre board of directors.

Menke joined Sabre in October 2015 and currently serves as executive vice president of Sabre and president of Sabre Travel Network, Sabre’s largest line of business. 

Under his leadership, Sabre Travel Network has won major new business opportunities, increased global market share and secured Sabre’s position as the leading global distribution system in three of its four major operating regions (North America, Latin America and Asia-Pacific), and successfully extended new multi-year agreements with many of its largest global travel management companies, online travel agencies and travel retailers. 

“Sabre touches almost every facet of the travel ecosystem to drive value and success for our customers,” said Menke.

“I know first-hand the critical and growing role technology plays for our customers.

“It’s a core investment for airlines, hotels, agencies and travel management organisations alike, and Sabre has unique capabilities to help our partners grow revenue and operate more efficiently.”