American Express Global Business Travel (GBT) announced that Paul Abbott will assume the role of chief executive officer, effective 1 October. Abbott replaces Doug Anderson who is stepping down after three exceptional years driving transformation and growth.

GBT is now poised for its next phase of rapid organic growth and merger and acquisition (M&A) activity fuelled by breakthrough technology investments and industry leading customer service and focus.

“Over the past three years, GBT accomplished its technology transformation, M&A/integration plans and commercial growth goals while delivering record performance and achieving clear status as the world’s leading business partner for managed travel,” said Greg O’Hara, executive chairman of the board at American Express Global Business Travel.

“Doug steered GBT through the acquisition of HRG last year, which was the industry’s largest ever, as well as a full cultural transformation that has led to 18,000 of the most engaged team members in the business. He leaves GBT in an outstanding place to build on its strengths as it continues to invest in a bright future,” he added.

Abbott joins from American Express, where he is currently chief commercial officer of Global Commercial Services, the company’s global B2B payments business. He has also served on the GBT board for the last four years. Abbott’s experience at American Express is a strong fit for GBT both because of the strategic relationship between the companies and their common focus on the customer experience.

“It is a privilege to lead a talented team committed to delivering exceptional service and investing significantly in growth and technology-led innovation. I look forward to engaging with colleagues, customers, and suppliers as we collaborate to advance the business travel experience together,” said Abbott.