Interview: Amex Global Business Travel’s CTO on Corporate Travel Going Mobile

Online booking tools are becoming the new normal in corporate travel. For years, a focus on traveler safety and adherence to travel policy were primary concerns. But business travelers, trained by consumer tools for years now, are now clamoring for better control of their trips while on the go. Philippe Chérèque, chief technology and commercial officer of American Express Global Business Travel, says the company will launch a new online booking tool by the end of the year that will combine travel options across all available formats. Skift asked Chérèque about playing catch up with the leisure space, how data can be leveraged for better security, and why a robust online booking tool is essential for business travelers and travel managers alike. Skift: When it comes to corporate travel technology, what is American Express GBT focusing on right now? Chérèque: We need to make sure we get more efficient technology and a multi-channel platform. The technology is very