American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT) has created a program to focus on artificial intelligence projects and boost innovation and efficiency for the corporate travel management community.
The AI initiative is seeking to adopt AI technologies and will work across four areas of the company: traveler care; finance; engineering; and enabling a modern workplace.
Michael Esquibel, senior vice president of technology strategy and engineering, is spearheading the initiative and is responsible for driving efficiency with the use of AI.
Meanwhile, Marilyn Markham has been appointed vice president of engineering and AI strategy, heading up the team driving the adoption of AI across the organization. Erica Trevino has been named vice president of operations system strategy and optimization, with a focus on how AI can help front-line travel counselors work more efficiently.
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Further moves linked to the AI initiative include Jake Hautly taking up the role of vice president of finance systems strategy and optimization, and Neil Kirk becoming vice president of technology services.
“Artificial intelligence will supercharge our colleagues and bridge a path to automation previously limited by the language-data barrier,” Markham said. “Scaling AI for Amex GBT will unlock efficiencies and inspire product innovation to elevate user experiences for our colleagues, our clients and their travelers.”
Amex GBT already uses AI across services, including disruption management and recommendations. In 2020, the company acquired 30SecondsToFly, which has been developing the natural language processing in Amex GBT’s chat and email channels.
David Thompson, chief innovation and technology officer of Amex GBT, said, “Delivering best in class service supported and simplified by technology has always driven our innovation agenda, but you cannot apply AI casually in the B2B environment. We are building a secure environment, applying robust testing and partnering with the leaders of the AI revolution, so our employees and customers can feel confident that we are progressing responsibly.”
A number of companies have been introducing new AI-focused roles and initiatives within their organizations. Flight Centre Travel Group announced the launch of an AI Center of Excellence in December alongside the creation of a role to lead AI for corporate.
Beyond corporate travel, Lodgify founder and chief technology officer Marco De Gregorio has moved to become chief AI officer.
