Under Powers' guidance, Worldwide Product Solutions will merge all phases of Worldspan product line development from concept to rollout, delivering timely, innovative technology focused on the needs of the marketplace. Listening first and always to the customer, Powers and her team will deliver technology that serves the entire spectrum of Worldspan's global market, including travel agencies, Internet-based travel sites, airlines and other travel suppliers, and corporations worldwide.
Powers is recognized for championing Worldspan's focus on Internet-based travel solutions and influencing the company's success in e-commerce. Early in the Internet's evolution, Powers assessed the advantages the Internet brought to travel distribution, and encouraged the development of Worldspan products to leverage those benefits. Through her guidance, Worldspan has been able to deliver a series of winning, 'first to market' Internet-based products and processes.
"We're very fortunate to have an executive of Sue Powers' vision, experience, and leadership skills to head Worldwide Product Solutions," commented Paul J. Blackney, president and chief executive officer for Worldspan. "Powers excels in achieving success in a diverse range of management responsibilities, including market development, product planning, continuous quality improvement, marketing, sales, and customer service. Her credentials are unmatched, and she is clearly the right choice to lead this important new initiative."
In her new post, Powers has overall responsibility for Worldspan's product line strategy and product delivery for Worldspan's worldwide customers. Her focus includes making build-versus-buy decisions, maximizing technology partnerships, and developing and delivering products that support the company's business units and capitalize on emerging market opportunities.
"By listening to the market and identifying ever-changing customer requirements, Sue Powers will bring Worldspan's extensive product development resources and capabilities closer to the customer," said Blackney.
Previously, as senior vice president – Worldwide E-Commerce, Powers was responsible for developing Worldspan's leadership role in the e-commerce travel distribution business. Prior to that, she served as vice president – Sales and Marketing, responsible for all sales and marketing functions for Worldspan travel agencies in the Americas, as well as worldwide marketing relationships with airline, hotel, car rental and travel supplier customer groups. Powers joined Worldspan in 1993 as vice president – Product Marketing.
"In Worldwide Product Solutions, we are building a single, unified team focused on the customer and dedicated to developing high-quality, cost-effective products that meet each customer's needs today and in the future" said Powers. "In partnership with Worldspan business units, we will provide technology that enables our customers to operate their businesses better and more efficiently. Innovative product solutions will be key to returning our industry to full vigor, and Worldspan will deliver those solutions.
"I'm delighted to note that Helen Porter and Lana Southwick, two extraordinary individuals with extensive experience in developing and delivering customer-focused travel solutions, will help me in leading this initiative."
Helen Porter has been appointed Vice President – Worldwide Product Solutions. Having served as Acting Vice President – Worldwide Product since April 2001, Porter will continue to have responsibility for Worldspan's e-commerce products including Trip Manager(R) and Travel Button(SM), the messaging products, advertising products and non-air supplier distribution products. Previously, as director – E-Business Products within the Worldwide Product group, Porter was instrumental in the development of Worldspan's industry-leading Web-based pricing and booking solutions. Porter joined Worldspan in 1992.
Lana Southwick has been promoted to Vice President -Worldwide Product Solutions. In her new position Southwick is responsible for directing the development of enhancements to the Worldspan Go!(R) reservations product, as well as Fares and Pricing solutions and additional products for Worldspan's airline customers. Formerly, Southwick served as director – Product Development for Worldspan, responsible for establishing and maintaining technical support for Worldspan's Internet and mainframe customers. Southwick joined Worldspan in 1993 from the PARS Service Partnership.
"Together with Helen, Lana, and the entire Worldspan Worldwide Product Solutions team, I am extremely excited and proud to take on these new challenges and look forward to Worldspan's continued success in product innovation and technical excellence," Powers said.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
