The OpenTravel Alliance (OpenTravel), a travel industry distribution specification/standards development organization, announced its board of directors for 2008-2009, including representatives from every major travel segment.

Air Carrier Board Representatives

Sumeet Bahl, Director of Customer Technology, American Airlines

Rob Borucki, Manager of eCommerce Product Development, US Airways

Hotel Company Board Representatives

Lisa Fues, Director of Reservations, Inventory and Distribution, Marriott International

Jennifer Ginty, Director of Electronic Distribution, Global Hyatt

Melissa Montana, Director of Distribution and Content Delivery, Hilton Hotels Corporation

Rental Car Company Board Representatives

John Turato, Vice President of Technology, Avis Budget Group

James White, Director of Global Automated Marketing, The Hertz Corporation

Non-Supplier Board Representatives

Alan E. Young, Vice President, IBS Software Services Americas, Ltd

Nitin Keskar, Director of Software Development, Sabre

Saeed Karim, Chief Technology Officer, Softbrands

Kevin Short, Client Industry Executive for Global Travel and Hospitality, EDS

International Board Representative

John Lambe, Chief Technology Officer, OpenJaw Technologies (based in Dublin, Ireland)

The board elected the following individuals as officers:

Chair – Alan E. Young, IBS Software Services Americas, Ltd

Vice-Chair – John Lambe, OpenJaw Technologies

Treasurer – James White, Hertz

Upcoming OpenTravel Activities

The first of OpenTravel’s two Advisory Forums in 2009 will be held in Seattle, Wash. April 22-29, 2009. For the first time, OpenTravel will hold an Advisory Forum in Europe in the fall of 2009. The location and date will be announced later this year.