TakeTwo Travel Solutions has appointed Karen McKenna as Vice President of Global Marketing and Patrick Fragale as President North America.
Based in the UK, McKenna’s new role will cover all aspects of marketing, overseeing the global strategy and efforts to strengthen the company’s market position.
She has a proven track record of delivering successful travel management consultancy for several Global 500 and FTSE 100 organisations and has also trained and coached senior management in travel companies across Europe, the Middle East and mainland China, in partnership with IATA.
McKenna founded an e-commerce solution and subsequently an e-learning business, where her travel management courses gained recognition and certification from the BTA, Advantage Travel Partnership and the government body OFQUAL.
TakeTwo CEO Chris Thelen said her background “will bring the expertise needed to maximise market opportunities as the TakeTwo group expands”.
“Karen’s entrepreneurial and innovative style, as well as her passion for digital solutions will play a pivotal part in TakeTwo’s unique approach in creating customer life-time value, by improving the customer experience at every interaction with our organisation,” he said.
McKenna added: “When I first spoke to Chris and Julie Cope, I was inspired by their vision for the company and their passion for business travel. Working with innovative and entrepreneurial people makes a huge difference to me, as it creates an environment that encourages rather than stifles creativity.
“As a business owner for the past 16 years, I have acquired hands-on experience of just about every facet of running a company. I can now utilise these skills in a fast-growing, customer-focused TMC where my input will make a tangible difference.”
Fragale, who will be based in New York, was previously EVP at Valerie Wilson Travel and President of Protravel International. He has also held various positions in the hospitality industry from General Manager to VP of Operations for a collection of premium hotels including the Marriott, Sheraton, and Renaissance brands.
“Pat is a natural born leader who has an entrepreneurial spirit and great vision. He also cares about his employees and clients, so he is the perfect fit for TakeTwo’s culture, ethos and aspirations,” said Thelen.
