The Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) announced today that it has named Leigh Bochicchio its new executive director, effective 17 June. Bochicchio was selected after an extensive external search process, supported by a specialized non-profit recruiting firm.

Bochicchio brings years of industry and ACTE experience to her new role. During her tenure on ACTE's board of directors, Bochicchio served two terms as nominations committee chair, chaired the ACTE Strategic Planning Task Force from 2015-2016 and was appointed ACTE president by the board in 2017.

"Leigh has long served among ACTE's leaders, and has demonstrated a firm commitment to advancing our core mission: Providing the education and tools corporate travel managers need to support their businesses and build their careers," said Kurt Knackstedt, board member, ACTE Centre chair and former ACTE president (2014-2017). "And it isn't just Leigh's resume that makes her exceptionally qualified for the job; she deeply understands the implications of 'global' in a business. Leigh is dedicated to listening and understanding people. Beyond time zones and travel, she is thoughtful around cultural norms that influence how individuals and teams learn and lead in the corporate world."

At Mastercard, which she joined in 2006, Leigh managed the company's product lifecycle discipline globally. She has also worked in Mastercard's global learning and talent development organisation and commercial product organisation. Previously, Leigh ran sales and account management for two critical components of Galileo International's travel distribution online strategy and held a number of leadership positions at American Express Travel Related Services.

"The travel industry is constantly in flux. With every innovation, travel managers have an important role in helping their businesses excel. ACTE has and will continue to serve as a critical resource in the field as we provide relevant learning and collaboration opportunities throughout the industry. I'm thrilled to stand at the helm of this organisation as we continue to pursue an exciting strategic vision," said Bochicchio.

The executive director serves as the CEO of the Association and is responsible for managing its strategic direction in addition to overseeing the day-to-day operations and its employees.

Lori O'Connell, who has served on the ACTE Board of Directors since 2014, as ACTE treasurer since 2016, and as ACTE regional chair for the US from 2012 to 2014, will step into the role of ACTE president following Bochicchio's transition. O'Connell is currently a senior director at PwC, where she led their Travel and Meetings programs for 10 years. Prior to joining PwC, Lori spent 20 years on the supplier side of the industry, working for several large TMCs.

Contributed by ACTE Global