#London #United Kingdom #travel technology #Travelport #John Mangelaars

Travelport Welcomes John Mangelaars as Chief Operating Officer and Deputy CEO

On September 17, 2025, Travelport, a leading global technology company in travel booking, announced the appointment of John Mangelaars as Chief Operating Officer and Deputy CEO. This strategic move aims to enhance the company’s position as a premier partner in modern retailing within the travel sector. Mangelaars succeeds John Elieson, who will be stepping down at the end of the month.

John Mangelaars arrives at Travelport with a wealth of experience, boasting over three decades of leadership in both technology and travel industries. His professional journey includes significant roles at prominent companies such as Skyscanner, where he served as CEO and successfully navigated the organization through challenging times, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his guidance, Skyscanner saw a robust recovery and transitioned into the era of generative AI.

Prior to Skyscanner, Mangelaars held the CEO role at Travix International, where he implemented transformative changes that expanded the company's global footprint, ultimately positioning it for acquisition. His extensive background also includes an 18-year tenure at Microsoft Corporation, where he developed global sales organizations and managed significant revenue streams across consumer and enterprise divisions.

Commenting on Mangelaars’ appointment, Greg Webb, CEO of Travelport, stated, "John joins us at an inflection point for the travel industry. We've established ourselves as the Modern Retailing platform that agencies trust and suppliers choose, and we’re just getting started. John’s track record of revolutionizing travel platforms at Skyscanner and Travix, combined with his enterprise technology expertise, positions him to increase our momentum as we redefine what’s possible in travel."

In his new role, Mangelaars will focus on advancing Travelport’s commitment to enhancing its reputation as a multi-source content provider in the travel industry. His responsibilities will encompass all commercial activities, aiming to strengthen relationships with clients while continuing to deliver the exceptional service levels that have earned Travelport recognition for ease of use and innovation.

Mangelaars remarked, "Travelport is shifting the industry conversation from 'legacy vs. new' to 'proven vs. experimental.' Our unique capability to process billions of transactions while innovating at the speed of modern retail provides a strong foundation for growth. My focus will be on amplifying what makes Travelport essential—delivering the reliability, scale, and innovation that travel agencies and suppliers require to thrive in a complex and demanding marketplace."

This strategic leadership change occurs at a crucial time for Travelport, underlining the company's determination to remain agile and competitive in an ever-evolving industry landscape. With Mangelaars at the helm of operations, stakeholders can anticipate a continued emphasis on innovation, reliability, and exceptional service that aligns with the modern demands of travelers and travel agencies alike. As Travelport continues to expand its global reach and enhance its technological offerings, the industry will be watching closely to see how Mangelaars' vision and leadership shape the future of travel technology and retailing.

For those keen on travel technology and industry insights, the arrival of John Mangelaars at Travelport certainly marks a significant moment. As the company embarks on this new chapter, stakeholders and consumers alike can expect proactive advancements that push the envelope in travel solutions, further solidifying Travelport’s role as an industry leader in modern retailing.