Douglas O’Neill, CEO of Inntel, has been appointed as the new Chair of the Business Travel Association (BTA).
He will be joined by Kevin Harrison, Director of Good Travel Management, who steps into the role of Officer alongside Vinny Atwal of CWT.
Murray Burnett, Managing Director of Munro’s Travel, will also be stepping up as Officer and Interim Treasurer.
O’Neill, who brings more than 23 years of leadership experience in the business travel sector, takes on the role of Chair following Mervyn Williamson, who served as interim Chair and long-standing Treasurer.
He will be stepping down from both the board and his Treasurer responsibilities.
This transition follows Suzanne Horner’s departure as Chair earlier this year, marking a new chapter in BTA leadership.
Harrison will be succeeding Pat McDonagh who has served as Director and Officer for several years.
Harrison is Director at Good Travel Management and has over 30 years of experience in corporate travel, strategy, and ESG. He has served as a BTA board director for three years.
His appointment enables the BTA board to have a stronger voice for the SME community.
New Board members include Donna Fitzgerald from Clarity Travel Management and Louise Hutchinson-Chambers from Corporate Travel Management (CTM), who will both be joining the board as Directors.
Fitzgerald is Chief Growth Officer for Clarity Travel Management and the former CEO and COO of Agiito, which was acquired by Clarity in 2023.
Hutchinson-Chambers has worked at CTM for nearly a decade, rising to lead CTM North’s Operations in 2023. As a qualified Prince2 practitioner, she brings extensive knowledge in managing government projects and high-profile initiatives.
With these appointments, the BTA board has achieved a 50/50 gender split, marking a milestone in its commitment to inclusion and diverse perspectives.
Clive Wratten, BTA CEO, said: “I’m truly grateful for Mervyn and Pat’s outstanding service, which has made a hugely positive impact on the BTA and our shared mission. Their dedication and contributions have been invaluable to me and the entire organisation.
“At the same time, I’m delighted to welcome our new appointments, whose talent and fresh perspectives will bring renewed energy to the board. I look forward to working with both new and existing directors as we continue to champion the travel management community together.”
O’Neill added: “I’m delighted to take on the role of Chair, following the excellent tenure of Suzanne Horner and with sincere thanks to Mervyn for stepping in so capably as interim Chair during this transition. I’ve already seen the exceptional work the BTA does for our industry, and in my new role I’m determined to build on the strong foundations they have laid. Working alongside my fellow directors and the BTA team, I aim to continue enhancing the value we deliver to members while raising the profile and influence of the BTA across the sector.”
