Amadeus CEO steps down

November 19, 2008 | Online Travel

Jos� Antonio Taz�n, Amadeus' president and CEO since 1990, will step down on Jan. 1 and become chairman of the board. David Jones, who has headed up global commercial operations at Amadeus since 1992, will replace Taz�n.

Amadeus today announced that David V. Jones has been appointed to take over as President & CEO of Amadeus IT Group from 1 January, 2009. David Jones has headed up Amadeus global commercial operations since 1992 and has a deep knowledge and experience of the travel industry and Amadeus’ business. He has worked side by side with Jos� Antonio overseeing the evolution of the company from the newest and smallest GDS competitor, to its current position as the world’s leading supplier of travel distribution and IT solutions for the global travel industry. Jos� Antonio Taz�n will become Chairman of the Amadeus Board of Directors from January 2009.

Jos� Antonio Taz�n said “As I step down from the CEO role it gives me great peace of mind to pass my responsibilities to such an experienced business manager as David Jones. He has the skills and the knowledge to take Amadeus forward to further success. Like all companies we feel the pressure of the world economic downturn, and at times like this it is vital to have the leaders in place that will drive us through to the better times, and future success. David is such a leader.”

Furthermore, Luis Maroto, Chief Financial Officer for Amadeus IT Group is appointed to the additional role of Deputy CEO from 1st January 2009, also taking responsibility for Amadeus’ corporate strategy. Luis remains CFO of the Amadeus Group, a role which he has fulfilled since 2003; Luis joined Amadeus in 2000.

Philippe Ch�r�que, currently Senior Vice President, Corporate Strategy is appointed to the position of Executive Vice President, Commercial to replace David Jones, becoming responsible for all Amadeus commercial operations worldwide. Philippe has been with Amadeus since the creation of the company in 1987.

David Jones said, “It will be difficult to follow a leader with a track record of achievement like Jos�‘s and I am delighted that he will remain as Chairman of Amadeus’ Board of Directors. The appointments of Luis Maroto and Philippe Ch�r�que show a continuity and stability in Amadeus management that is a key factor in our success. Both bring deep knowledge of the travel industry in general and Amadeus’ business in particular to their new roles. I look forward to working with them and the existing management team of Jean-Paul Hamon and Eberhard Haag, Executive Vice Presidents in charge of Development and Operations respectively, Hans-Henning Quast, Vice President Human Resources and Tom�s L�pez Fernebrand, Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary.”

David Jones said, �It will be difficult to follow a leader with a track record of achievement like Jos�s and I am delighted that he will remain as Chairman of Amadeus� Board of Directors. The appointments of Luis Maroto and Philippe Ch�r�que show a continuity and stability in Amadeus management that is a key factor in our success. Both bring deep knowledge of the travel industry in general and Amadeus� business in particular to their new roles. I look forward to working with them and the existing management team of Jean-Paul Hamon and Eberhard Haag, Executive Vice Presidents in charge of Development and Operations respectively, Hans-Henning Quast, Vice President Human Resources and Tom�s L�pez Fernebrand, Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary.�