Amex GBT Names Drew Crawley CEO as Paul Abbott Moves to Long Lake

Business Wire·6 Oct 2026·

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Summary · why it matters

American Express Global Business Travel announced a planned leadership transition, with President Drew Crawley succeeding Paul Abbott as Chief Executive Officer effective immediately. Abbott, who led Amex GBT for the past seven years, will move to a new role as Operating Partner with Long Lake, the company's partner. During Abbott's tenure, Amex GBT navigated the global pandemic, acquired Egencia and CWT, went public in 2022, and completed the world's first AI-focused take-private deal. Crawley joined Amex GBT six years ago and has led its commercial functions, including all customer relationships and supplier partnerships, adding global operations and technology earlier this year; he previously served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of IAG Loyalty and Chief Executive Officer of IAG Cargo, and spent a decade at British Airways. Long Lake Chief Executive Officer Alex Taubman said Abbott's expertise will continue with the firm while Crawley's leadership and industry relationships position Amex GBT for the future.

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