Accelya, a leading global provider of technology solutions to the travel industry, has announced the appointment of Sam Gilliland as its chief executive officer. Gilliland joins the company’s seasoned executive team to lead Accelya through its next phase of growth.
A recognized industry leader, Gilliland joins Accelya with a track record in driving business transformation across the travel tech industry. He spent 25 years at the Sabre Corporation starting out as a software engineer. Gilliland held a number of senior positions within the organization, including CEO of Travelocity and president of Sabre Airline Solutions. Ultimately, Gilliland was named Chairman and CEO of Sabre in 2003, leading more than 10,000 employees in 60 countries. Most recently, Gilliland served as CEO of Cherwell software, a provider of mission-critical workflow automation solutions for corporations.
Gilliland also served on the U.S. President’s Management Advisory Board and was chair of the U.S. Commerce Department’s Travel and Tourism Advisory Board reporting to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce.
“I’m honored to join the team at Accelya as we drive the next phase of growth and maintain our unwavering commitment to delivering outstanding value to our customers,” said Gilliland. “I look forward to working closely with the executive team, that is comprised of the best software expertise in the industry. We look to spearhead the continued digital transformation of the airline industry, empowering customers to innovate while also providing flexibility and choice.”
“I also look forward to teaming with Vista Equity Partners who many consider to be the best software private equity firm in the world. They have invested in Accelya through their permanent capital fund, which reflects their long-term commitment to investment in product, operational excellence, and talent. That´s good for our customers, good for our employees, and good for the industry.”
As Gilliland takes on the CEO role, former CEO Jim Davidson steps into the role of vice chairman, where he will continue to advise Accelya’s Executive Committee and the Board of Directors.
“Sam and I have known each other for decades, and share a passion for innovation,” said Davidson. “Sam´s deep industry experience and proven leadership across software speak for themselves and make him the perfect leader to scale Accelya and evolve our strategy to achieve our ambitions.”
Gilliland’s appointment is the latest in Accelya’s recruitment of important industry change makers, further demonstrating the company’s commitment to be the employer of choice in the air transport industry, and its focus on attracting the very best talent to promote the transformation of the industry for the better.
