A year after separating from the Global Business Travel Association, citing the organisation's failure to efficiently investigate the allegations against former CEO Scott Solombrino, the travel management heavyweight has rejoined the association.
According to a written statement from CWT's new CEO Michelle McKinney Frymire, "Now, more than ever, our industry must stand together to serve corporate travellers the world over as the post-pandemic return to travel gains momentum, and I am excited about the potential of our new partnership with GBTA. We look forward to playing an active role at GBTA events and meetings, and in various joint industry research initiatives."
Last June, CWT formally withdrew its GBTA membership as well as the participation of all CWT employees from the "GBTA board, committees, events or projects, plus any individual memberships which are paid for directly, or indirectly, by CWT," according to a letter sent to GBTA that was obtained at the time by BTN.
The turnabout and the announcement is good news for GBTA, as the organisation works to regain the trust and confidence of the business travel industry. The organisation has introduced bylaw changes that enforce leadership term limits and expand voting rights and board diversity, and has installed a new executive director. Those steps appear to meet the criteria CWT said would be required before the travel management company would consider rejoining.
"We are delighted that CWT has taken the decision to rejoin GBTA at this crucial time for our industry, as we return to business travel," said GBTA executive director Suzanne Neufang. "Collaboration and through leadership is such an important element of the association, and it's vital to have representatives from a global TMC such as CWT."