Sabre Corp boss announces plans to stand down

The boss of Sabre Corporation is standing down and will leave the US travel technology giant at the end of the year.

The boss of Sabre Corporation is standing down and will leave the US travel technology giant at the end of the year.

President and chief executive Tom Klein announced last night that he will resign from December 31 after 22 years with the business but will continue to serve as chief executive while a search for his successor is conducted.

Klein’s started at Sabre while it was still a unit of American Airlines, where he originally held sales and marketing roles.

He joined Sabre, leading a joint venture in Mexico, and went on to serve in a number of executive roles, including group president of both Sabre Travel Network and Sabre Airline Solutions. He was named president of Sabre in 2010 and chief executive in 2013.

Klein said: “We have transformed Sabre into a dynamic software company and the business is positioned for continued consistent growth, so my successor will have a strong hand to play.

“By making this announcement now, the board of directors will have ample time to identify a successor as we work through a smooth transition to keep the company’s growth plans and our customer deliverables on course. 

“Then I will be able to turn my personal attention to new opportunities knowing that I am leaving Sabre on firm ground, with a great management team and a bright future as a global technology leader.”

Company chairman Larry Kellner said: “During this transition period it will be business as usual for Sabre’s customers, employees, and suppliers as the board works to identify a successor.”