Certares Executive Brings Global Strategic
Focus and Deep Aviation, Travel and Hospitality
Background
NEW
YORK, March 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Wheels Up
Experience Inc. (NYSE: UP) today announced that Tom Klein, Senior Managing Director of Certares
Management LLC ("Certares"), joined its Board of Directors,
effective March 1.
Mr. Klein fills the unexpired term of former Certares
executive Jeffrey Nedelman, who is stepping down to focus on
other commitments. Mr. Klein is expected to stand for election to a
full term on the Board at the company's 2025 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders. He will also fill Nedelman's role on the
Board's Nominating and ESG Committee.
"We are thrilled to add someone with Tom's extensive global
aviation, travel and hospitality background to our Board of
Directors," said George Mattson,
Wheels Up CEO. "Tom brings a unique perspective and decades of
experience in the travel sector. I'd also like to thank Jeff for
his time and service to the Board and Wheels Up. We wish him all
the best and know he will remain a member of the Wheels Up
family."
Mr. Klein currently serves as Senior Managing Director of
Certares, a role which he has held since September 2018. Prior to joining Certares, Mr.
Klein was Chief Executive Officer and President of Sabre
Corporation ("Sabre"), the parent company of Travelocity.com, from
August 2013 until June 2016, and previously held various executive
positions at Sabre, including as President, Executive Vice
President and both domestic and international Senior Vice
President. Mr. Klein led the initial public offering of Sabre in
2014. Prior to joining Sabre, he held various management positions
at American Airlines and Consolidated Freightways and has spent 29
years as an operator in the travel sector. Mr. Klein was also
appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce to serve on the Board
of Directors of Brand USA in 2010
and continued his service, including as Chairman, until 2017. He
also served on President Barack
Obama's Advisory Council on Doing Business in Africa. Mr. Klein has served on the Board of
Directors of Global Blue Group Holding AG since June 2022 and Avia Solutions Group AB, a
privately held company, since December
2021. He previously served on the Boards of Directors of
Cedar Fair, L.P. from January 2012 to
April 2019, Playa Hotels &
Resorts N.V. from March 2017 to
March 2020, and Nirvana Travel &
Tourism L.L.C. from July 2019 to
December 2021.
"With Tom's considerable experience, Wheels Up is
well-equipped to strengthen its position as a leading global
aviation solutions provider," said Adam
Zirkin, Wheels Up Chairman. "I'm excited to
have Tom join the Board and work with a strong
management team on this unique opportunity to shape the next
chapter for the company."
About Wheels Up
Wheels Up is a leading provider of on-demand private aviation in
the U.S. and one of the largest companies in the industry. Wheels
Up offers a complete global aviation solution with a large and
diverse fleet and a global network of safety vetted charter
operators, all backed by an uncompromising commitment to safety and
service. Customers can access charter and membership programs, as
well as unique commercial travel benefits through a one-of-a-kind,
strategic partnership with Delta Air Lines. Wheels Up also offers
freight, safety and security solutions and managed services to
individuals, industry, government and civil organizations.
Wheels Up is guided by the mission to deliver a premium aviation
solution for every customer journey. With the Wheels Up mobile app
and website, members and customers have the digital convenience to
search, book and fly.
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SOURCE Wheels Up
