American Express Business Travel Names Michael Qualantone Head of Global Supplier Relations

NEW YORK--(Business Wire)--
American Express Business Travel, a global industry leader in business travel
management, today announced Michael Qualantone, vice president, Client Services
Group, has been named vice president and general manager, Global Supplier
Relations. In his new role, Mr. Qualantone will manage and direct all strategic
relationships with global supplier partners, including airlines, hotel and car
companies, tour operators and cruise lines, as well as maintaining strategic
relationships with all technology providers including global distribution
systems and booking tools. This leadership role also heads the management and
development of the International Travel Services Network, and is responsible for
the Partner Network Worldwide. Mr. Qualantone replaces Andrew Winterton, who has
taken another position outside of the company.

Qualantone is now a member of the Global Travel Services Executive Team, and
reports directly to Charles Petruccelli, president, American Express Global
Travel Services. In his most recent role as vice president, Client Services
Group, Qualantone was at the forefront of leading the strategic thinking,
tactical planning and execution on key client service initiatives.

"I look forward to this new phase in my American Express career, as the business
travel industry is once again at a critical crossroad where supplier business
models are being challenged and new strategies are needed to remain relevant,"
said Qualantone. "This exciting opportunity comes at a time when I can apply my
knowledge and experience to spearhead strategies and innovations that will not
only shape the distribution and supplier models, but will also ensure American
Express maintains its position as the industry leader."

During his 21 year tenure at American Express, Qualantone has held leadership
positions within Finance, Travel Back Office, and Business Travel. Prior to his
role as vice president, Client Services Group, he was vice president, On Sites
and Customer Solutions, and vice president, Global Distribution Strategy. In his
previous distribution role, he was responsible for all travel distribution
matters globally and was instrumental in establishing American Express`
alternative distribution strategy, known as TravelBahn DS, which was recently
awarded a U.S. patent.

While in the Finance division, he was an integral part of important American
Express acquisitions including Lifeco, Revere, TravelOne, Thomas Cook, and
Rosenbluth. He joined American Express in 1988 as a participant in the Graduate
Management Program, and prior to American Express, worked in the banking and
financial industries with Manufacturer`s Hanover and First Interstate Bank.

"The head of Global Supplier Relations plays a critical role within American
Express, acting as a lynchpin between the Company and its partners, suppliers
and global networks," said Charles Petruccelli, president, American Express
Global Travel Services. "Mike is a strong leader with a proven track record for
success, particularly in driving global distribution system initiatives - key to
this position. Mike brings a decisive, efficient approach that moves strategies
into action, and he will be an important addition to the Executive Team."

Mr. Qualantone was recognized with a "Distinguished Fellow distinction" award in
2005 from the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE), for the
highest-rated educational sessions at an ACTE global conference. In addition, he
was a recipient of the 2006 American Express Kim Vismale Award, as well as a
1999 Corporate Services Leadership Award in recognition for his outstanding
leadership and contributions to both customer and business results. Qualantone
earned his MBA and BS degrees from Arizona State University.

About American Express Business Travel

American Express Business Travel (www.americanexpress.com/businesstravel), a
division of American Express Company, is committed to helping its clients
maximize the greatest return on their travel investment through increased cost
savings, world-class customer service and greater spending control. Ranging from
small businesses to multinational corporations, American Express Business Travel
provides a combination of industry-leading technology, travel management
consulting, strategic sourcing and supplier negotiation support, alongside
global customer service available online and offline. The Company also provides
a dynamic online community (www.BusinessTravelConneXion.com) harnessing the
collective intelligence of those in the business travel industry offering a
variety of perspectives, best practices, current research and industry news.

American Express operates one of the world`s largest travel agency networks with
locations in over 140 countries worldwide. Total travel sales volume in 2008 was
$29.1 billion, including proprietary volume, volume processed through joint
ventures, and American Express branded volume processed through its partner
network.

American Express Company (www.americanexpress.com) is a leading global payments,
network and travel company founded in 1850.

American Express Business Travel
Tracy Paurowski, 212-640-8409
tracy.j.paurowski@aexp.com

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