Russell Howell

As Executive Vice President of Technology, Products & Innovation, Russell Howell leads BCD Travel’s companywide technology organization, supporting operational functions as well as the company’s products, services, innovation, and IT infrastructure. With over two decades of experience in the corporate travel industry, he brings broad global experience in aligning technology with business drivers, leading change in competitive environments, and driving innovation.

Russell oversees five areas key to BCD Travel’s success: Client Shared Services, Global Operations Design & Shared Services, Product Development & Innovation, Infrastructure & Communications Technology (ICT), and Global Information Security. Client Shared Services includes BCD’s Global Implementations & Project Management Operations, Client Data Solutions which delivers global analytics, business intelligence and reporting solutions to internal and external constituents and Customer and Agent Service Desk solutions. Global Operations Design & Shared Services delivers operations automation and contact center solutions, as well as strategic, 24-hour and backoffice operations. The Product Development & Innovation group develops technology and product solutions that underpin all BCD Travel business offerings. ICT encompasses everything from phones to networks to data centers and cloud strategy for the company. The Global Information Security team defines, implements and manages all aspects of BCD Travel’s information protection and management practices, and drives our industry-leading compliance footprint, including our ISO, and PCI certifications. 

Before joining BCD Travel, Russell held the role of Vice President, Global Travel Technologies at American Express. Prior to that role, he spent three years leading travel technologies for American Express in Europe. He started his career in travel technology in 1991 with Wagons-Lits Travel in the U.S., moving to Paris in 1994 during the merger that formed Carlson Wagonlit Travel. Other professional experiences have included: District Supervisor for Aldi Foods in Ohio (1990-1991), IT Consultant with ITIM Associates in London (1996-1997), and CIO of internet startup ePipeline in Atlanta (2000-2005).