Flight Centre Corporate global chief executive Chris Galanty and Wexas managing director Katherine Gershon joined the board on Tuesday (2 February).

The BTA said Galanty and Gershon would contribute to the association’s efforts to highlight the importance of business travel to the UK economy.

Alongside the BTA’s executive board, they will be responsible for meeting and exceeding business objectives and will help shape the association’s future strategy in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

BTA chair Suzanne Horner said Galanty and Gershon’s wealth of experience and individual skill sets would "enrich" the BTA’s board at a crucial time for the sector.

Galanty has worked for Flight Centre for more than 23 years; in his current role, he is responsible for the company’s global travel management division FCM Travel Solutions and its largest SME specialist business travel provider, Corporate Traveller, along with other specialist brands.

"I will bring decisiveness and a determined growth strategy to the board," said Galanty. "I’m looking forward to utilising BTA’s global platform to discuss the challenges we as an industry are currently facing.”

Gershon, meanwhile, had headed up Wexas for the past six years, and brings more than 20 years’ experience transforming travel and aviation businesses.

The BTA said she would bring "in-depth" B2B leadership experience, and had a proven track record in achieving profitability and growth.

“The BTA’s contribution to our sector in 2020 has been unequivocal," said Gershon.

"I look forward to bringing my 25 years’ turnaround experience to help rebuild the travel industry for our loyal partners, customers, and the wider business travel community.

"Never has there been a more important time for innovative thinking and change transformation.”