The Business Travel News (BTN) Travel Managers of the Year award, spanning from 2014 to 2023, celebrates the most innovative and impactful leaders in corporate travel management. This prestigious recognition highlights individuals who have consistently demonstrated excellence, strategic vision, and adaptability in navigating the complex landscape of global business travel. The honorees represent a diverse range of companies and have profoundly shaped their organizations’ travel programs, often setting new benchmarks for the industry.
Over the past decade, the role of the corporate travel manager has evolved dramatically from a purely cost-focused function to a strategic imperative. Award winners have exemplified this transformation, becoming key players in areas such as duty of care, traveler well-being, sustainability initiatives, and the integration of cutting-edge technology. They have been instrumental in developing robust travel policies that balance cost efficiency with traveler satisfaction and corporate objectives. From managing global programs across hundreds of thousands of employees to consolidating vendors and implementing sophisticated data analytics, these professionals have showcased remarkable foresight and execution.
Key challenges addressed by these leading travel managers include the global expansion of companies, the imperative for robust risk management and duty of care protocols, and the integration of new technologies like online booking tools and mobile applications. Post-pandemic, their leadership became even more critical in redefining safe travel, managing fluctuating budgets, and adapting to hybrid work models. Many have driven significant cost savings through strategic sourcing, policy optimization, and leveraging data for informed decision-making, all while enhancing the traveler experience and promoting sustainable travel practices. Their achievements underscore the vital importance of an agile, data-driven, and traveler-centric approach to corporate travel management.
The BTN Travel Managers of the Year have not only optimized their companies’ travel spend but also championed traveler safety, well-being, and productivity. Their work reflects a deep understanding of global logistics, supplier negotiations, and the human element of business travel. These leaders are more than just administrators; they are strategic partners who contribute directly to their companies’ bottom line and employee satisfaction, constantly innovating to meet the evolving demands of the global business environment. Their collective accomplishments provide a blueprint for best practices in the corporate travel sector, emphasizing resilience, strategic thinking, and a commitment to excellence.
Key Points
- 2023 Winner: Katie Koch (Ares Management) – Managed global program across 20+ countries, implemented sustainability policy, achieved over $1 million in savings with new TMC.
- 2022 Winner: Andrew S. McDonald (Google) – Led efforts in sustainable travel, contributed to Google’s 50% reduction in air travel carbon emissions by 2019, implemented global carbon fee program for flights.
- 2021 Winner: Sharlene G. Ketwaroo-Lapierre (Genentech) – Navigated pandemic, managed $100M+ travel program, focused on data analytics, traveler well-being, consolidated to single global TMC.
- 2020 Winner: Marybeth Kurland (Bristol Myers Squibb) – Oversaw travel for 60,000+ global employees, integrated travel programs post-Celgene acquisition, focused on data, duty of care, and cost containment.
- 2020 BTN Connect Winner: Lori B. Smith (Jazz Pharmaceuticals) – Managed $50M program, focused on traveler safety and experience.
- 2019 Winner: Doreen Burse (Merck) – Managed $250M global travel program across 70 countries, implemented global online booking tool, drove policy harmonization.
- 2018 Winner: Ann C. Dery (Siemens) – Managed $500M+ global program, implemented direct booking tool, achieved significant savings through negotiation and policy.
- 2017 Winner: Kevin F. Maguire (PwC) – Managed global travel program, emphasized traveler experience and technology adoption, achieved policy compliance.
- 2016 Winner: Jackie C. Jones (The Coca-Cola Company) – Managed global travel for 100,000 employees, streamlined program, focused on mobile technology.
- 2015 Winner: Mary Ann McNulty (Accenture) – Managed travel for 300,000+ employees across 50+ countries, implemented global expense tool, focused on data insights.
- 2014 Winner: Jack Reynaert (Ford Motor Company) – Managed $500M global program, achieved significant savings, implemented innovative payment solutions.
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