New director for Amex GBT Benelux

American Express Global Business Travel (GBT) will have a new Managing Director Benelux, Swapna Nair (35), as of January 1, 2021. Swapna succeeds Freek Jansen, who after four years of transforming and growing GBT has decided to step down at the end of 2020.

Based in the Dutch headquarters in Eindhoven, Swapna will report directly to Julien Kauffmann, GBT’s Vice President and General Manager of France, Benelux, Southern Europe and the Middle East.

“In the past four years, under Freek’s leadership, GBT’s position in the Benelux has been strengthened, by achieving revenue growth and expanding commercial activities,” said Julien Kauffmann. “At the same time, employee commitment and customer satisfaction have been significantly increased.” The successor to Freek Jansen comes from within the company’s own ranks. Julien Kauffmann: “With her international commercial experience in the field of technology and digitalization and her track record as Head of Sales within GBT, Swapna is the ideal person to take over. I am confident that she will maintain this positive line, even under the current challenging circumstances. In the coming months, both will work together to ensure a proper handover.

Swapna: “I am honored by this decision and grateful to Freek for his leadership, guidance and support. It is a privilege to lead the talented team of colleagues within an organization that is continually investing in and building for the future. Our performance during times of COVID-19 has shown our strength and resilience, and our dedication to serving our customers has only increased. I look forward to the opportunities and challenges ahead to further enhance the business travel experience, together with our colleagues, customers and suppliers.