Travel and Transport Announces Leadership Transition

OMAHA, Neb., Jan. 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Bill Tech, President and CEO of Travel and Transport, has announced that he will retire on December 31, 2014. In preparation of this change, Travel and Transport's Board of Directors made the following appointments.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140107/NE42277)

Bill Tech was named Chairman and CEO of Travel and Transport effective January 1, 2014.  He will continue as the company's Chairman after his retirement in December of 2014.

Bill Tech joined Travel and Transport in 1987 as a regional vice president in Chicago. He moved to Omaha in 1992 as vice president of finance. In 1997 he was named executive vice president and in 1998 President and CEO.

Kevin O'Malley was named President of Travel and Transport effective January 1, 2014. Upon Bill Tech's retirement, Kevin will become the President and CEO of Travel and Transport.

Kevin O'Malley joined Travel and Transport in 1994 as an assistant controller after working for five years as a CPA at Deloitte and Lutz and Company. He was named controller in 1997, vice president in 1998, a senior vice president and CFO in 2000, and as executive vice president in 2003.

Kevin is a member of Travel and Transport's Board of Directors, and also serves on the Board of Directors for Employee Travel Specials, as well as for Commonwealth Business Travel Group. He is a longtime Board member of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. He also serves as an advisory board member for Delta Air Lines.

Tim Fleming was named Chief Operating Officer of Travel and Transport effective January 1, 2014.

Tim joined Travel and Transport in 1982 as a travel counselor and managed a number of branch locations prior to being promoted to vice president, business travel management services in 1995. Tim was promoted to vice president, operations and client services in 1998, to senior vice president of sales, operations and client services in 1998, and to executive vice president in 2003.

Tim is a member of Travel and Transport's Board of Directors, and he also serves on the Board of Directors of Keith M. Merrick Co., Inc. and Employee Travel Specials. Tim is also a member of the Corporate Travel Agent and Planner (CTAP) Advisory Board.

Due to the tremendous success of the company, it is Travel and Transport's Board of Directors desire to keep the leadership team in place. The Board planned for this succession for some time, feeling that it was important not to disrupt relationships with any of their clients.  It was their desire to keep Bill Tech involved in the company by naming him Chairman of the Board, and to promote both executive vice presidents Kevin O'Malley to President and Tim Fleming to Chief Operating Officer. This was a Board of Director's led change to allow for a smooth transition. The Board believes these changes will leave the company well positioned for the future.

This transition will have no effect on the leadership structure of Ultramar Travel Management company which Travel and Transport acquired in October 2012. Peter Klebanow will remain President and CEO of Ultramar and will continue to lead the company's overall growth trajectory. "We are very happy for Bill as he steps into a new role at Travel and Transport and prepares for his well-deserved retirement. We have seen much success since the acquisition and the leadership teams at Travel and Transport and Ultramar are committed to the growth of both companies. This is a very exciting time," Klebanow stated.

Steve Gehring, previous Chairman and now Lead Independent Director of Travel and Transport's Board of Directors, stated: "We have an outstanding management team that has been with us for a very long time providing outstanding customer service to all of our clients. Our eight officers alone have over 157 combined years of experience at Travel and Transport. Being a 100% employee-owned company, and the largest employee-owned company in the travel industry has produced outstanding results. Our stock value continues to grow substantially year after year, and our client and employee retention are the best in the industry."

About Travel and Transport, Inc.
Founded in 1946, Travel and Transport, Inc., is the 5th largest travel management company in the U.S. specializing in corporate travel management, vacation travel, and group and meeting travel services. Travel and Transport, a 100% employee-owned company recognized for unparalleled service, integrity and travel industry knowledge, has locations in 34 states and is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska. Please visit our company web site at travelandtransport.com for more information about Travel and Transport's services.

About Ultramar Travel Management, Inc. – A Travel and Transport Company
Founded in 1947 and headquartered in New York, Ultramar Travel Management, Inc. is a recognized leader in the area of corporate travel management. Ultramar leverages the "smartest" industry leading and proprietary technology solutions and high touch customer service to deliver unparalleled service experiences to its prestigious client roster of sophisticated, exacting business travelers. Acclaimed for its nimbleness and close-to-the-client relationships, Ultramar specializes in delivering the finest in fully managed, customized corporate travel management programs to its clients. Learn more about Ultramar at www.ultramartravel.com.

CONTACT: Chantel Windeshausen
[email protected]
402.399.4695

SOURCE Travel and Transport, Inc.