George Odom, the former leader of travel and corporate meetings at Eli Lilly, has joined Advito`s Global Business Development team as Senior Director. The new appointment is part of the continuing expansion business of the independent consulting division of BCD Travel.

He will report directly to Mark Williams, vice president of global business development. Odom will draw on his expertise in the travel management sector, in which he will be responsible for further developing business.

“With 17 years of travel management experience, George brings an incredible wealth of knowledge and wisdom to Advito,” said Mark Williams. “His proven track record of managing travel sourcing will greatly benefit the Advito organization and we’re honored and excited that he has chosen to join our team.”

Prior to joining Advito, Odom spent over sixteen years as department head of travel services for Lilly, where he was instrumental in developing and implementing strategic sourcing strategy for the company’s travel and meetings program. Regarded as an industry pioneer in meetings consolidation, Odom has also held positions in meeting planning, symposia coordination, sales training, and new product licensing.

“George is widely respected as a leader in the travel and meetings sector, as he has shown by winning the ACTE Distinguished Fellow Award in 2003 and being recognized by both Business Travel News and Meetings and Conventions magazine as a leader in the industry,” said Mary Ellen George, general manager for Advito. “He will be an integral part of our team, providing credible counsel and a bold vision for travel management in the marketplace.”