The Advantage Travel Partnership has announced that John Simmons has joined the business in the newly created role of Business Development Manager, Business Travel for Advantage Managed Services (AMS), with immediate effect.

Reporting to Andy Boorman, Head of Business Development, Global Business Travel at The Advantage Travel Partnership, John will be responsible for day-to-day business development opportunities as well as bringing in new business for members operating under its AMS model.

John brings significant experience to the partnership with over 15 years in the corporate travel sector, initially working in operational roles for UK corporate travel management companies such as Hogg Robinson, Fleet Street Travel, Portman Travel, Statesman Travel and Travel & Transport. Most recently, he was working for American Express as a Client Account Manager, handling a portfolio of SME clients on a European and global basis.

Commenting on his appointment, Simmons said: “I join Advantage at an exciting time! The managed services model is growing at pace, and my aim is to develop this programme further by presenting the benefits and opportunities to prospective members to help their businesses to grow and thrive. I look forward to working with the existing members and adding value to their business by offering day-to-day support in the ever-changing landscape of business travel.”

This week, The Advantage Travel Partnership celebrated the 15^th anniversary of its Advantage Managed Service (AMS) model. Advantage introduced this model in June 2009 to alleviate the time and resources needed to run the operational side of a travel business and allow more time for members to focus on sales and customer service. Since then, the membership has grown significantly and today encompasses 76 branches, which collectively generate an annual turnover of £150m. Over the past year, AMS Global Business Travel has seen significant development with newly adopted technology products.

Andy Boorman, Head of Business Development Global Business Travel at The Advantage Travel Partnership, said: “We are thrilled to have John join us in the newly created role of Business Development Manager for AMS Global Business Travel. John will be instrumental in delivering best-in-class service and solutions to our members operating under our AMS model and their clients. In addition, John will play a key role in growing our AMS membership.”

Andrea Caulfield-Smith, Managing Director, Global Business Travel at The Advantage Travel Partnership, added: “John’s appointment is the latest step towards achieving our overall goals for our Global Business Travel division and we’re looking forward to having him onboard. Our Global Business Travel division plays an important role within our Partnership, offering a comprehensive proposition to the TMC Community, including a strong commercial proposition. We continue to offer our members a one-stop-business-hub approach, and having a strong AMS offering is a key part of our global strategy.”