The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), the premier business travel organisation, today announced details of a new global development role to be filled in 2012 by Paul Tilstone, presently CEO of the Institute of Travel & Meetings (ITM).

Tilstone, whose transition from ITM to GBTA was announced in July 2011, will fulfil the newly created post of Chief Global Development Officer starting January 1, 2012. He will continue to lead GBTA's development in Europe as part of these increased leadership responsibilities.

Said Michael W. McCormick, Executive Director of GBTA: "The new role demonstrates GBTA's commitment to foster leadership and staff excellence in all corners of the globe. We operate in a truly global business and GBTA can deliver real value to professionals operating in this sector wherever they are located. Paul's role will be to help GBTA achieve its true potential globally."

The new role will focus on the development of new regions and interest groups for GBTA and its partners in high growth markets and optimize best practices from all GBTA regions.

Said Paul Tilstone: "I have watched GBTA grow and flourish in the last few years and can see the huge potential this great organisation has all over the world. I am incredibly excited about developing the association in different regions according to the market's wishes in those regions and bringing GBTA's best practices to all parts of its operation."