Orbitz Worldwide and Travelocity Global have named new company leaders. The two firms are unrelated save for both being in the online travel industry.
At Orbitz, Barney Harford has been named president and CEO, and will serve on the company’s board of directors. The former president and CEO, Steve Barnhart, stepped down to pursue other interests, according to a company statement. Barnhart will remain with the company through April in an advisory role.
Harford has served in a variety of board and advisory positions for the travel and online marketing industries. Between 1999 and 2006 he held a series of jobs at travel firm Expedia Inc.
In addition to changing its top manager, Orbitz will implement a series of cost reduction measures beyond the expense-and-workforce reductions it announced in November. The new round of cuts will save an additional $20-$25 million beyond the $20 million generated by November’s actions.
Separately, Michelle Peluso, president and CEO of Travelocity Global, will leave her company effective Feb. 6. Peluso’s decision to step down follows the recent birth of her child, according to a statement. She plans to seek a position that does not involve an ongoing, cross-country commute.
She will be replaced by Hugh Jones, COO for the Sabre Travel Network and Sabre Airline Solutions. Sabre Holdings is the parent company for both the Sabre businesses as well as Travelocity Global.
Prior to his roles with the Sabre units, Jones was financial controller for American Airlines’ European and Pacific airport, sales and reservation operations, and food and beverage services. He also served as American Airline’s manager of financial analysis, a position in which he coordinated competitive and labor contract analysis.
