Alexandria, VA (22 July 2010) – The Board of Directors for the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) unanimously appointed Susan Shaid, Global Director, Business Travel Sales, Omni Hotels & Resorts, as ACTE Regional Chair, United States. A 25-year industry veteran, Shaid will assure that regional ACTE activities throughout the United States are aligned with the Association’s global mission and vision.
“I have worked with ACTE on a local level for several years, and I am looking forward to expanding that role to communicate with ACTE members and attendees throughout the United States,” said Shaid, “It will be exciting to talk with the leaders of the industry, discuss what issues are impacting their business operations on a day-to-day basis, and learn how ACTE can better support them through its education and networking events.”
In her position with Omni Hotels & Resorts, Shaid is responsible for negotiations with the world’s largest corporate travel buyers, as well as providing them with effective methods for managing their hotel expenses. She has held a similar position with Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, beginning her career in business travel sales for several of New York City’s landmark hotels, including The Plaza and Four Seasons.
“Susan knows many of the industry’s key players in the United States and she understands the challenges they face on a day-to-day basis,” said ACTE’s United States Board Representative Bruce Finch, Director, Global Travel and Workplace Sustainability Programs, AutoDesk, Inc. “This understanding, along with Susan’s passion for success, will enable ACTE to leverage a stronger volunteer network and enhance its events throughout the region.” Throughout her two year term, Shaid will work closely with Finch as well as ACTE Executive Director Ron DiLeo and the ACTE staff.
Susan joins other ACTE Regional Chairs around the world including Georgie Farmer, Asia Travel Manager, Microsoft Corporation (Asia-Pacific); Gillian McCormack, Manager, Business Development, American Express Business Travel (Canada); Yves Galimidi, Global Travel Purchaser, IKEA (Europe); ACTE Regional, Latin America, Mario Hidalgo, Manager, Multinational Customers, Latin America, Amadeus (Latin America); and Imran Changezi, Director, Corporate Sales, Jumeirah Group (Middle East and Africa).
