Direct Travel Names Christine Sikes Senior Vice President of Operations

MAHWAH, N.J., July 21, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Direct Travel, a leading provider of travel management services in the U.S., announces the appointment of industry veteran Christine Sikes as Senior Vice President of Operations. 

With over 25 years of travel industry experience, Sikes is one of the most talented travel management company executives in the industry today, offering a stellar strength in operational expertise.  In her new role, Sikes will drive strategic operational efficiencies and innovative client-driven services and solutions for Direct Travel's national operations.  These initiatives include a focus on best practices, process improvements, automated systems applications, quality and productivity goals and standards to ensure strategic and tactical objectives are achieved.  She will also be instrumental in rolling out new technologies.

"Christine's appointment is part of our overall endeavor and vision of helping our clients stay ahead of the accelerating pace of change.  A consultative approach in every facet of our business is critical.  Her proven track record in developing and implementing successful client-driven programs has distinguished her as an operational leader, and she's the perfect fit with our corporate culture," said Ed Adams, Direct Travel CEO. 

Holding numerous key leadership roles, Sikes was most recently Vice President of Program Management for Carlson Wagonlit Travel's (CWT) SatoTravel Military & Government division, where she was responsible for account management of client relationships as well as Group Travel Services. 

"Christine has been deeply involved in the implementation and transformation of a number of high profile accounts and she is highly respected and recognized across the travel industry," said John Coffman, Direct Travel CFO.  "Her arrival is timely as we move forward with our strategic direction and operational plan to expand through acquisition and organic growth."

At Direct Travel, Christine joins colleagues and several key executives who established Navigant International.  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 was drawn to this opportunity because of the incredible energy level coming from Direct Travel— from a commitment to service and innovation, to the rapid growth taking place across the enterprise," said Sikes.  "I am thrilled to be joining Direct Travel at a time when it is positioned for such growth and future success."

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 30 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.

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SOURCE Direct Travel, Inc.