CWT names regional chief

CARLSON Wagonlit Travel (CWT) has appointed a new Managing Director to lead its Asia Pacific operations as the company works to exploit rapidly growing markets in the region.

Bindu Bhatia will take on the role from the beginning of next month, replacing Kai Chan who will leave the company at the end of this month “after making significant contributions during her five-year tenure”, CWT said.

Bhatia, pictured, has been with CWT for more than 20 years, most recently as senior vice president Global Program Management where she looked after the company’s biggest global clients.

“Bindu is perfect for her new role: with her proven entrepreneurial skills, commercial savvy, and deep understanding of the global travel market, she will hit the ground running,” said CWT ceo Kurt Ekert,

“Asia Pacific is the world’s fastest-growing market for corporate travel – there are huge opportunities here.”

Reporting to chief customer officer Kelly Kuhn, Bhatia will soon relocate to CWT’s Asia Pacific headquarters in Singapore, where she will have responsibility for approximately 3,000 people across nine countries.

Ann Marie Stone will take over Bindu’s current role, also effective from the start of next month, reporting to Cathy Voss, executive VP, Global Program Solutions. Stone has been with the company since 2000, most recently serving as CWT’s vp of Global Program Management.