Sabre Corp., a Southlake-based travel technology provider, has named former Wyndham Worldwide executive Gail Mandel as executive chair of the board. Mandel, who has served on Sabre’s board since April 2020, will assume her new role at the company’s 2024 Annual Meeting on April 24.
Mandel has served on Sabre’s board since April 2020, and her appointment as chair will be effective at Sabre’s 2024 Annual Meeting, scheduled for April 24, the company said.
President, CEO, and board member Kurt Ekert praised Mandel’s “wealth of travel industry experience, financial acumen, and insight,” as well as her “decades of experience leading complex global companies through strategic change.” He added that Mandel is “the right choice to help guide this company as we execute against our strategic priorities and achieve our vision.”
In addition to serving as chair, Mandel will serve as Chair of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and as a member of the Compensation Committee.
Leadership succession
Mandel will succeed Sean Menke, who is retiring from the board immediately prior to the company’s 2024 Annual Meeting.
Previously, he was appointed as president and CEO of Sabre in 2016 and transitioned to the CEO and executive chair roles in early 2022.
Sabre said these changes, along with those announced last month, are being made as part of the board’s ongoing focus on composition and succession planning.
Ekert thanked Menke for his leadership.
“On behalf of the board, I extend our deepest gratitude to Sean for his leadership and guidance over the years,” Ekert said. “His partnership with me and the leadership team and his Board leadership have been invaluable as we developed and began executing against our strategic priorities and took measures to position Sabre for long-term success in this dynamic and evolving travel industry. We wish him much success in the future.”
Extensive hospitality experience
Mandel has served as managing director of Focused Point Ventures LLC, a business advisory and consulting services organization, since 2019.
She currently serves as a director for Dallas-based Dave & Buster’s Entertainment Inc., a leading owner and operator of high-volume entertainment and dining venues as well as the chairman of the board and chair of the Audit Committee of PureStar, a private equity backed provider of laundry services and linen management to the hospitality industry.
From 2014 to 2018, Mandel was president and CEO of Wyndham Destination Network, an operating division of Wyndham Worldwide, a provider of professionally managed, unique vacation accommodations.
Mandel was chief operating officer and chief financial officer, Wyndham Exchange & Rentals (later known as Wyndham Destination Network), from March 2014 to November 2014 and CFO of Wyndham Exchange & Rentals, from January 2010 to March 2014.
From August 2006 to January 2010, Mandel was SVP, financial planning & analysis, for Wyndham Worldwide. From February 1999 to August 2006, she was division CFO/Controller, Cendant Hospitality/Travel Services, and from October 1997 to February 1999, Mandel was controller, Cendant Mobility.
Sabre is a software and technology company that powers the global travel industry, serving a wide range of companies, including airlines, hoteliers, travel agencies and other suppliers. It provides sales, distribution and fulfilment solutions that help its customers operate more efficiently, increase revenue and deliver personalized experiences to travelers.
Via its leading marketplace, Sabre connects travel suppliers and buyers around the world. It serves customers in more than 160 countries around the world.
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