The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) has announced the forthcoming launch of a formal, French-speaking, not-for-profit association in France. It will be the first GBTA-owned chapter in the region and is being developed, says the GBTA, in recognition of the importance of the French-speaking market to its plans to continue to develop across Europe, Canada and Africa.
Yann Le Goff, sourcing director for indirect materials, operations and services for Sidel Group, will act as president of the association for an initial two year term. Jean Pierre Drioux, travel manager at AXA, will act as its general secretary; and Paul Tilstone, GBTA’s chief global development officer and European managing director, will act as treasurer. Other board posts are expected to be announced in the future.
The new group’s first board meeting is expected to take place by mid-February, when plans for 2012 will be formalized. Plans are already in place for the provision of French educational forums, benchmarking groups and industry affairs engagement. Members of GBTA France will also receive access to the full suite of GBTA services provided globally.