American Express 2011 Forecast

David Balfour is the Director of Business Development Central Region for American Express Business Travel.  Prior to this role he was a Director in Advisory Services the consulting arm of American Express Business Travel.  Advisory Services provides travel management consulting services to large and mid-size corporations on global basis.  Services include consulting on air, hotel and car rental spend management as well as travel policy, compliance, change management and eco issues.

He brings over 25 years of industry experience to bear on this exciting opportunity. David joined American Express 6 years ago.  Prior to joining American Express, he was President of Travel Marketing Corporation, a firm created to provide marketing, sales, procurement, operational and travel consulting services to corporate accounts and suppliers in the travel industry.

David started his career with TWA, where he ultimately ran the marketing, sales and operations for the Pacific, Far East and Middle East, one of the youngest managers in TWA's history to carry such responsibility.  During his 10 years with TWA, he spent 7 years overseas in the Middle East, Hong Kong and Singapore.  He then moved to American Airlines, where he prepared and directed American's new service launch to Paris and Frankfurt.  Rounding out his time with the major airlines, he was recruited to United Airlines, where he assisted with United's $750 million acquisition of Pan Am's Pacific Division. He then prepared and implemented the international sales plan for North America, leading the sales force as well as developing and implementing corporate sales strategy.

David also spent several years as the Vice President of Marketing for McCord Travel Management, a large regional travel agency in Chicago with annual sales in excess of $100M.  There he developed sales and marketing plans which improved closure rates.  He also managed client services and supplier relations.

This unique blend of corporate and entrepreneurial experience gives him a unique understanding of the travel industry.  Over the past 6 years David has been a major contributor to the American Express Business Travel Forecast.

He is based in Chicago, Illinois.