Crum takes presidency at ACTE

Weeks resigns after NBTA row

Richard Crum has been named as the new president of the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) after his predecessor Doug Weeks resigned.

Mr Weeks quit the post after the Association has been embroiled in an internal row over a possible merger with the National Business Travel Association (NBTA).

Mr Weeks, director of global sourcing for Booz and Co, was part of a minority in favour of the link up.

ACTE's treasurer-elect Mary Ellen George, general manager at Advito, and treasurer Brad Seitz also both resigned after its directors rejected the link up on June 8.

Mr Weeks was reported as saying the main reason for his resignation was that he was "falling behind" with his work for Booz and would be able to devote less time to the association.

But he was said to accept that the decision not to go ahead with the tie up with the NBTA was a "factor" in his decision.

Mr Weeks, who had held the post since 2008, was quoted as saying: "In my resignation letter, I said that since it was clear that I was not in synch with the board that it was best for both parties for me to step down."

Ms George also cited time as a reason why she could not take up the treasurer's post.

Mr Crum, president of Airplus International, was previously ACTE president in 2007-2008.

He said his "primary role primary role is to guide the Association forward by keeping our focus on the real issues at hand, by implementing the wishes of our entire membership, and by assuring these actions will provide advantages for the industry.

Richard Crum

ACTE said he will also oversee the election of a new president with the nominating committee which solicits possible contenders, due to meet soon.

ACTE also appointed another former president Greeley Koch to take over Mr Crum's previous role in the organisation of head of its Global Centre For Research and Education.

Mr Koch, director of strategic development for the Acquis Consulting Group, was president from 2005-2007.

Susan Gurley, ACTE's executive director, said: "Today's board action brings two strong, well-respected leaders into the forefront of the association."

A possible merger between the two organisations was first mooted two months ago but the ACTE board rejected the idea on June 8.

The NBTA unanimously approved the concept of a merger at its meeting last week.

www.acte.org   www2.nbta.org