James Parkhouse, chief executive of Capita Travel & Events; Adam Knights, ATPI’s regional managing director, UK, France and Benelux and global head of corporate sales; Saad Hammad, group chief executive of Key Travel; and Douglas O’Neill, chief executive of Inntel were confirmed as new recruits by BTA’s chairwoman Suzanne Horner.

Horner, who is also chief executive at Gray Dawes Group, said: “All four of them have significant experience and a host of relevant skills that will enhance the BTA’s board and help shape the association’s strategy and future.”

The appointments bolster BTA’s executive board to 14 TMC representatives. 

She also revealed Atriis, Mastercard, Amex Financial Services, GSA, Air Transat and Norwegian as new partners for BTA. Its 2020 winter conference, entitled A Different View, took place at London’s Congress Centre. 

Parkhouse said: “I can contribute to the next phase of the BTA’s development – especially with my interest into the role meetings play in travel, the increasing focus on wellbeing, data-driven insight and balancing the needs for the right technological solutions.”

Knights will showcase the “significant role” business travel has in the economy, while Hammad hopes to help BTA be a more forceful advocate for TMCs and O’Neill is “eager to work alongside my fellow directors to enhance the company’s competitive position”.