A handover in the wake of the take-private
American Express Global Business Travel announced on 6 October 2026 a planned transition in its executive leadership. Drew Crawley, until now President of the group, becomes Chief Executive Officer. The transition takes effect immediately.
Paul Abbott, who has led Amex GBT for seven years, is promoted and takes on a new role as Operating Partner at Long Lake. The artificial intelligence specialist has just completed its acquisition of Amex GBT.
The deal was announced on 4 May 2026 and approved by shareholders on 3 August. An all-cash transaction, it values Amex GBT at approximately $6.3 billion, or close to €5.6 billion. It takes the group off the New York Stock Exchange, and Amex GBT describes it as the world’s first AI-centred take-private transaction.
Analysis – The appointment of a leader from the commercial and supplier-partnership side of the business places relationships with airlines and hotel groups at the heart of the new leadership. For hoteliers, Amex GBT remains a leading corporate distribution channel. The group’s direction on AI-driven booking is therefore worth watching closely, as part of a wider shift in which distribution players are reorganising around AI.
Seven years of transformation under Paul Abbott
Paul Abbott‘s tenure was marked by strong growth and a far-reaching transformation of the group. He first steered the company through the global health crisis, then led the acquisitions of Egencia and CWT. On the latter deal, LTH reported in particular on the DOJ’s green light and the completion of the acquisition.
Under his leadership, Amex GBT also overhauled its products and technology. The group went public in 2022 before leaving the stock market four years later. In his new role, Paul Abbott will support companies in the sectors in which Long Lake invests.
Paul Abbott said that leading Amex GBT over the past seven years had been one of the greatest honours of his career, adding that he was extremely proud of what the team had achieved together and, above all, of the company they had built. He believes the time has come to open a new chapter, both for Amex GBT and for himself, and expressed full confidence in Drew Crawley and the leadership team.
Drew Crawley, a commercial leader with an airline pedigree
Drew Crawley joined Amex GBT six years ago. As President, he oversaw all commercial functions, including every client relationship and supplier partnership. Since the start of the year, he had also been responsible for global operations and technology.
He was previously Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of IAG Loyalty, then Chief Executive Officer of IAG Cargo. He also spent a decade at British Airways in senior commercial roles, including Chief Commercial Officer. He brings more than 25 years of experience across travel, aviation, logistics and loyalty.
Drew Crawley said Amex GBT has the best clients, partners and people in the industry, and that with the backing of Long Lake and its expertise in applied AI, the company will define the future of managed business travel, delivering on the promise of solutions that are both high-tech and high-touch. He also paid tribute to the leadership of Paul Abbott, with whom he has worked for many years.
Long Lake bets on continuity
For Alex Taubman, Chief Executive Officer of Long Lake, Paul Abbott played a decisive role in Amex GBT’s success. He welcomed the fact that Paul Abbott’s expertise will remain at the company’s service. He also stressed that Drew Crawley’s leadership, industry expertise and trusted relationships with clients and partners have been central to that success.
Analysis – The appointment of a leader from the commercial and supplier-partnership side of the business places relationships with airlines and hotel groups at the heart of the new leadership. For hoteliers, Amex GBT remains a leading corporate distribution channel. The group’s direction on AI-driven booking is therefore worth watching closely, as part of a wider shift in which distribution players are reorganising around AI.
At a glance by The Hospitality Tribune
Amex GBT: Drew Crawley takes the helm
Drew Crawley, President of Amex GBT, appointed CEO effective immediately (October 6, 2026)
Paul Abbott, CEO for seven years, becomes Operating Partner at Long Lake
Long Lake completed its all-cash acquisition of Amex GBT, valued at c. $6.3bn (c. €5.6bn), delisting it from the NYSE
Crawley: ex-Chairman & CEO of IAG Loyalty, CEO of IAG Cargo, former British Airways CCO
Strategic focus: applied AI and “high-tech, high-touch” managed travel
