Vice President, Global Air & Ground Transportation

Travel & Lifestyle Services (TLS) is seeking a Vice President of Global Air & Ground Transportation. American Express entered the travel agency business in 1915 and today is one of the world’s largest travel networks. Over 100 years later, TLS remains at the forefront of delivering Card Member value, with a focus on providing premium leisure travel and related lifestyle services through offline and online channels around the globe. The global breadth of TLS enables it to serve Card Members whenever, wherever, and however they want to engage with American Express Travel.

The Global Strategic Partnerships and Marketing (GPM) team within American Express Travel brings together the best travel partners in the world to create unparalleled value and unforgettable experiences across the travel journey - and amplifies this to Card Members wherever they are.

The Global Air & Ground Transportation team leads airline and transportation partnerships, programs, and commercial strategy globally to drive Card Member value and sustainable business growth.

The Vice President, Global Air & Ground Transportation will lead the end-to-end strategy and performance of the Air & Ground Transportation business, overseeing both the Global Account Management and Global Program Management teams. This leader will be accountable for setting the strategic direction of the portfolio, deepening relationships with the world’s leading airline and transportation partners, driving commercial performance and revenue growth, and ensuring our programs and operating model evolve to meet the needs of Card Members and partners globally.

We are seeking a strategic and commercially minded executive with deep partnership expertise, strong industry perspective, and a proven ability to lead through growth and transformation. The ideal candidate will combine long-term vision with executional rigor, build trusted relationships with senior external and internal stakeholders, and develop a high-performing global team focused on delivering differentiated customer value and measurable business results.

• Define and lead the strategic vision and growth agenda for the global Air & Ground Transportation business.
• Own global program and portfolio strategy, including the Air value proposition, partner prioritization, program evolution, and competitive positioning.
• Drive commercial performance across the portfolio, optimizing revenue, partner economics, customer engagement, and Card Member value.
• Lead the strategy for complex commercial agreements and negotiations, ensuring strong outcomes for American Express, partners, and Card Members.
• Build and deepen executive relationships with strategic airline and transportation partners, identifying opportunities for mutual growth and innovation.
• Shape the distribution strategy and future operating model, identifying opportunities to modernize capabilities and drive long-term growth.
• Lead and develop a high-performing global organization across Account Management and Program Management, while driving alignment across TLS and enterprise stakeholders.
• Maintain a strong perspective on industry trends and emerging opportunities to inform the broader TLS strategy and growth agenda.
• Proven senior leadership experience setting strategy and driving commercial growth across complex global businesses or portfolios.
• Deep airline industry experience and a strong understanding of airline economics, distribution, partnerships, and industry dynamics.
• Strong commercial acumen with demonstrated experience negotiating complex agreements and managing strategic partnerships.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to anticipate industry shifts, identify growth opportunities, and translate vision into execution.
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior external partners and enterprise stakeholders.
• Proven ability to lead transformation and navigate ambiguity and change.
• Exceptional communication, collaboration, and business judgment.