The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) announced that Dr. Michael Frenzel, Chairman of the Executive Board, TUI AG, will take over as Chairman from April 20, 2012.

Dr. Frenzel has been a member of the WTTC Executive Committee since 2000 and a leading member since he joined in 1999. He will serve as Chairman for a two-year term. He replaces Geoffrey Kent, Founder, Chairman & CEO, Abercrombie & Kent, who was appointed Chairman in 2007.

Dr. Frenzel joined Preussag AG in 1988 and was appointed Executive Chairman in 1994. Under his leadership, the company was repositioned into Europe’s leading tourism Group, TUI AG, which now comprises three main businesses – London-listed TUI Travel, TUI Hotels & Resorts, and TUI Cruises.

David Scowsill, WTTC President and CEO, said: “Over a 20-year period, Dr. Frenzel has transformed his company from a multi-business conglomerate into Europe’s leading travel company with over 73,000 staff and revenue of €17.5 billion. This is an extraordinary achievement in a hugely competitive and demanding environment. His experience, perspective, and knowledge of our industry will be invaluable assets to WTTC, as we take our message to more people in more places in the coming years.”

David continued: “I would like to thank Geoffrey Kent for his unswerving dedication and tireless support to WTTC over the past years. Geoffrey is an adventurer by nature who has been a great champion for everything that WTTC stands for. We look forward to his ongoing contribution as a member of our Executive Committee.”

Geoffrey Kent, Founder, Chairman & CEO, Abercrombie & Kent, commented: “We are a thriving industry that continues to grow. I was a founding member of WTTC in 1990, and it has been an honor and privilege to lead this great organization for more than five years. I will be completing my term when I host the Global Summit in Japan, and I am delighted that Michael has accepted the Chairman role. His appointment will be confirmed at the Annual General Meeting in Japan.”

WHAT TO TAKE AWAY FROM THIS ARTICLE:

I was a founding member of WTTC in 1990, and it has been an honor and privilege to lead this great organization for more than five years.
I will be completing my term when I host the Global Summit in Japan, and I am delighted that Michael has accepted the Chairman role.
Frenzel has been a member of the WTTC Executive Committee since 2000 and a leading member since he joined in 1999.