O’Hara Will Remain Involved in the Strategic Direction Of Tzell, as well as Its Sister Companies within Travel Leaders Group Going Forward
New York, NY (August 31, 2015) — Today, it was announced that J.D. O’Hara – who had recently been serving as President of New York-based Tzell Travel Group – was recently promoted to Partner at Certares. While O’Hara’s promotion marks his departure from Tzell, he will continue exploring multiple avenues for the company’s growth, along with that for its parent company Travel Leaders Group.
“J.D. contributed tremendously to Tzell over the last year and half through some very noteworthy accomplishments including a number of key strategic initiatives that we will carry well into the future, some much-needed organizational realignment both internally and throughout our branch network, and, not the least of his feats, an astounding 20% year-over-year growth.” noted CEO Barry Liben. “These achievements have made Tzell stronger and will help us deliver more for our agents and clients. To ensure that Tzell doesn’t skip a beat, I’m thrilled to devote much more of my time to this exceptional business and its agents.”
“Working directly with the Tzell management team since the beginning of 2014 – as well as my previous six years with Travel Leaders Group – has prepared me well for this role to invest capital on behalf of Certares in Travel Leaders and its other portfolio companies,” O’Hara stated. “I look forward to my enhanced role in expanding Travel Leaders Group and its key operating companies, such as Tzell, even further.”
Since 1966, Tzell Travel Group has been providing its clients with the highest quality, most personalized travel experience integrated with today’s technology – whether it be corporate, entertainment or leisure travel. Tzell offers comprehensive travel management programs that blend the vast resources it is able to deliver as a travel powerhouse with the personalized dedication and emphasis on quality.
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About Tzell Travel Group:
With annual sales of $2 billion, Tzell Travel Group – as part of Travel Leaders Group – is currently ranked first among the nation’s largest corporate travel management companies, according to Business Travel News. Tzell maintains its headquarters in New York City and has offices in 20 states.
In everything it does, Tzell Travel Group places the highest priority on both its clients and its agents. For the individual traveler, Tzell addresses value, convenience, comfort and safety, with its customized quality traveler services. For the corporation, Tzell offers a broad product line of cost containment, meeting services and comprehensive travel management programs.
Tzell focuses on the needs of its agents by providing the best work environment possible and the strongest leadership and support team. These elements combined with excellent air/hotel leisure programs create the “safe haven” which is a hallmark of the Tzell brand.
About Certares:
Certares LP is dedicated to long-term value creation by actively developing our investments. Through effective partnership with the management of our companies and direct alignment with our investors, Certares implements strategic and operational improvements to sustainably generate attractive returns on capital. Flexibility in investment approach and alignment with our business partners are key tenets of Certares’ philosophy. These values distinguish Certares as a preferable partner for organizations seeking to transform their businesses.
Formed in 2012, Certares brings together a team of experienced Private Equity and Travel, Transportation, Hospitality and Payment Sectors veterans with decades of both operational and investment experience. This operational expertise enables Certares to grow their investments and unlock their full potential. Certares’ permanent capital structure and sector focus allows for flexibility in structuring transaction solutions and gives partners and sellers freedom to achieve their objectives while allowing Certares to move at unparalleled speed.
Certares is headquartered in New York, NY.