Michael Hare has been announced as the new chairman of industry body the Guild of Travel Management Companies (GTMC) at the GTMC’s Annual General Meeting in January.  Hare, who is the first Portman Chief Executive to hold the position of GTMC chairman, said: “It’s a privilege to become the GTMC’s chairman. I look forward to a busy and successful two years in the role representing the needs of the business travel industry as a whole, in addition to my Portman duties.I’m dedicated to maintaining the GTMC’s commitment to quality and best practice whilst ensuring we become a strong voice for the business travel sector.”

Between them the GTMC’s members account for some 80% of business travel spend in the UK and facilitate over 11 million transactions a year.

Hare’s plans for the GTMC include simplifying its membership criteria, abolishing Associates and redefining the conditions for Partners.  Membership will no longer be strictly by invitation and travel management companies across the sector will be encouraged to apply for membership.

Michael Hare became Chief Executive of Portman Travel in October 2009.