Direct Travel, Inc. Announces Senior Vice President of Business Development & Strategies

MAHWAH, N.J., May 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Direct Travel, Inc. (DTI), a leading business travel management provider, announces the appointment of industry veteran Ronda Shipley as Senior Vice President, Business Development & Strategies. 

With over 30 years of industry and direct management experience, Shipley is one of the most talented travel management company executives in the industry today, offering a unique and unparalleled combination of both sales and operational expertise. 

"Corporate buyer knowledge has increased exponentially in recent years.  In keeping with Direct Travel's vision of helping its clients stay ahead of the accelerating pace of change, a consultative approach in every facet of our business is critical.  Setting that standard begins in sales which is our first interaction with our future customers.  Ronda's strengths in sales, operations and finance are critical to the continued evolution of our business development and marketing organizations," said Ed Adams, CEO of Direct Travel, Inc.  

Holding numerous key leadership roles with experience that ranges from building strong customer relationships and partner channels to executing global sales strategies, Shipley was most recently Vice President, Global Sales for Travel Leaders Corporate.  Previously, she served as Vice President of Navigant International, North Central Region, where she was responsible for operations, business development, strategic planning and customized client solutions.

"Ronda has an exceptional background as a sales executive with the proven ability to build and grow strategic account relationships, with a unique blend of operational skill and foresight," said Adams.  "We couldn't be more pleased to have attracted an individual of her caliber, who also brings extraordinary passion and vision to this key role." 

At Direct Travel, Ronda joins colleagues and several key executives who established Navigant International, including Ed Adams and John Coffman (CEO and CFO, Direct Travel, Inc.), Sam DeFranco, President of East Region and Lisa Buckner, President of Central/West Region.  Together, they are committed to filling what they believe to be a vacancy in the industry's landscape for organizations seeking a travel management solution for middle market corporate travel budgets.

"I am excited to join Direct Travel, and to have the opportunity to provide thought leadership to a dynamic team truly focused on the mid-market customer," said Shipley.

The collective vision of this dynamic leadership team leverages industry and non-industry technologies, operational nuances, supplier partnering and intellectual capital. "I am thrilled to be joining Direct Travel at a time when it is positioned for such growth and future success," said Shipley. 

About Direct Travel, Inc.

Direct Travel, Inc. is a privately held corporation established in 2011 with the goal to create a $1.5 billion dollar company through acquisition and organic growth.  We have been providing travel management services for over thirty years; by working with clients to develop customized travel programs.  The company prides itself on providing high-quality business travel management services, internet-based technology solutions, and significant cost savings.

Direct Travel employs over 490 travel professionals nationwide with locations in Mahwah, NJ; New York City, NY; Baltimore, MD; Scranton, PA; Chicago, IL; Milwaukee, WI; Minneapolis, MN;  Denver, CO; Nashville, TN; San Francisco and San Jose, CA. Direct Travel is ranked among the top US corporate travel management firms.

SOURCE Direct Travel, Inc.