Amadeus announces new Business Travel leader in WEMEA and Managing Director of France

Amadeus announces that it has appointed Stephane Durand to become the Senior Vice President of Business Travel Agencies segment in Western Europe, Middle East and Africa (WEMEA). Durand will also assume the role of Managing Director of Amadeus in France. As part of the Travel Channels organization, Durand will report to Rajiv Rajian, Executive Vice President of Business Travel Agencies globally and Head of Travel Channels for the Americas.

Durand will replace Georges Rudas, who will be leaving Amadeus. Rudas will remain with Amadeus until the end of October to ensure a smooth transition to new leadership. Since 2003, Rudas has been a valuable leader at Amadeus and a pioneer in the growth strategy of the travel agency business. He has held a variety of leadership roles in his career, established long-term partnerships, and ensured sustainable growth for the business in France and beyond.

In his new role, Durand will be committed to supporting the success of business travel agencies in the region, while further positioning Amadeus as the partner of choice in business travel.

Durand joined Amadeus in 1999 and has held several leadership roles across varying business units, including General Manager of the business in UK & Ireland and Chief Commercial Officer in North America. Most recently, Durand was the Senior Vice President of Online Travel in the Americas.

Rajiv Rajian, EVP of Business Travel Agencies and Head of Travel Channels for the Americas at Amadeus, said, “Georges has made a huge contribution to Amadeus in his 16 years with us. Since the first day he joined Amadeus he made a truly positive impact on the team and has delivered great results for our business in France and in the WEMEA region which is an important and growing market for us.”

Rajian added, “We are delighted to have an experienced and charismatic individual like Stephane to take over. Stephane has been a key pillar of our Travel Channels growth not only in the Americas but also globally. We’re confident he will build on the foundations Georges has left and achieve great things in WEMEA and France.”