Dorothy Dowling has been picked by the Global Business Travel Association to be the new president of its Allied Leadership Council (ALC).

Dowling is the chief marketing officer & SVP of Best Western Hotels & Resorts and is the first woman to assume the position of president in the ALC’s long history. She takes over the post from Scott Solombrino, who was recently appointed the COO & executive director of GBTA.

Commenting on the appointment, GBTA president, Christle Johnson said: “I am thrilled to have appointed Dorothy Dowling, one of the industry’s longest-serving and most respected
executives, to serve as President of the ALC.”

Johnson noted that: “As a more than 30-year veteran of the travel industry and having served as Vice President of GBTA’s Allied Leadership Council since 2013, Dowling brings a wealth of experience to her new post. Known for driving positive change within Best Western Hotels & Resorts and the industry in general, we have every confidence she will contribute significantly to GBTA’s continued evolution.”

The ALC represents GBTA’s Allied Members by acting as a voice for the Allied community within GBTA and works to assure a strong Allied and GBTA relationship to address common issues facing the travel industry. The ALC president also sits on the GBTA Board of Directors offering input and voting on all issues pertaining to the future direction of GBTA.

GBTA COO and executive director, Scott Solombrino commented: “Dorothy has worked tirelessly behind the scenes for GBTA as a Board member, strategic adviser and team player for years. I know she will continue to provide invaluable input for the future direction of GBTA as she takes on this new role.”

Go to www.gbta.org for more.