Amex GBT Announces Planned CEO Transition

Abbott will provide guidance to companies in Long Lake's verticals in his new Operating Partner role.

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10/06/2026 - 10:45 AM

Paul Abbott moves to Operating Partner with Long Lake
Drew Crawley appointed CEO

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT) today announced a planned leadership transition as the company begins its next chapter in partnership with Long Lake.

Paul Abbott will move to a new role as Operating Partner with Long Lake. Drew Crawley, currently President of Amex GBT, will succeed Abbott as Chief Executive Officer. The leadership transition will take effect immediately.

Abbott led Amex GBT for the past seven years, overseeing a period of significant growth and transformation, including navigating the disruption of the global pandemic, the strategic acquisitions of Egencia and CWT, product and technology transformation, going public in 2022, and culminating in completing the world’s first AI-focused take-private deal. In his new role with Long Lake, Abbott will provide guidance to companies in its verticals.

Crawley joined Amex GBT six years ago. As president, he has led the company’s commercial functions including all customer relationships and supplier partnerships, and earlier this year took additional responsibility for global operations and technology. Before joining Amex GBT, he served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of IAG Loyalty and as Chief Executive Officer of IAG Cargo and spent a decade at British Airways in senior commercial roles, including Chief Commercial Officer. He brings more than 25 years of experience across travel, aviation, logistics, and loyalty.

Alex Taubman, Chief Executive Officer of Long Lake, said: "Paul has been instrumental to Amex GBT's success, and we're grateful his expertise will continue with us in his new role as Operating Partner with Long Lake. Drew's leadership, deep industry expertise, and trusted relationships with customers and partners have been central to that success, and we look forward to the future under his leadership."

Abbott said: “Leading Amex GBT for the past seven years has been one of the greatest honors of my career. I am enormously proud of what our team has accomplished together and, most importantly, of the company we have built. I have had the privilege of working alongside an incredibly talented and committed team, and I want to thank every one of them for their dedication, resilience, and belief in what we could achieve together. This is the right time for the next chapter, both for Amex GBT and for me, and I could not be more confident in Drew and the leadership team.”

Crawley said: “I am incredibly excited and honored to lead Amex GBT as we enter this exciting new chapter. Paul and I have worked together for many years, and I want to thank him for his leadership and partnership and the contributions he has made to the company. Amex GBT has the best customers, partners, and people in the industry. With the support of Long Lake and its applied AI expertise, we will define the future of managed travel, delivering on the promise of high-tech and high-touch solutions.”

About American Express Global Business Travel

American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT) is a leading software and services company for travel, expense, and meetings & events. We have built the most valuable marketplace in travel with the most comprehensive and competitive content. A choice of solutions brought to you through a strong combination of technology and people, delivering the best experiences. With travel professionals and business partners in more than 140 countries, our solutions deliver savings, flexibility, and service from a brand you can trust – Amex GBT.