Sabre Corporation, a software and technology company that powers the global travel industry, has revealed that Sean Menke, currently chair of the company’s board and its CEO, will transition to be solely executive chair of the board, effective April 27. At that time, Kurt Ekert, currently Sabre’s president, will also become CEO, reporting to the board of directors. Ekert has also been nominated as a director for election at Sabre’s 2023 annual meeting, to be held on April 26.
Menke joined Sabre in 2015 serving as president of its largest business division, before being promoted to CEO in late 2016.
Regarding the next phase in Sabre’s leadership transition. Menke said, “It has been an honor and privilege to help lead Sabre over the last eight years. I am proud of what our teams have accomplished and how we’ve served our customers during unprecedented times. It has been immensely gratifying to see the dedication and success of our team, as Sabre continues to transform itself to become the trusted, and preferred, technology partner in travel. I look forward to transitioning into the role of executive chair and welcome Kurt as our new CEO. He’s been a driving force at Sabre over the past 14 months, and I am confident he will continue to successfully lead this organization into the future.”
Ekert joined Sabre in January 2022 and oversees all aspects of the company’s business and technology operations. Over the last year, he developed new growth strategies and successfully executed against the company’s operating plans, including reorganizing its Travel Solutions business; implementing robust operating principles to enable faster and more efficient execution; and putting a refined leadership team in place, according to the company.
Gregg Saretsky will continue to serve in the role as independent lead director of the board of directors. He said, “I know I speak on behalf of Sabre’s entire board of directors when I say that Sean has been an incredibly strong and successful leader over the last eight years, especially in those unprecedented moments during the global pandemic. He leaves behind a tremendous legacy, including an ambitious multi-year strategy that the leadership team will continue to move forward.”
He added, “We look forward to having Kurt join the board as he steps into the CEO role at the company. He is a strong, forward-focused leader with the experience, operational and technical acumen and industry perspective to successfully execute Sabre’s strategic plans.”
Ekert responded, “I am proud to be stepping into the CEO role at Sabre and eager to continue to advance our strategy while fostering a winning culture of empowerment, innovation and performance. I look forward to leading this company through its next chapter and am confident we have the ability to meaningfully grow our business and deliver long-term shareholder value.”