TRAVEL & TOURISM ADVISORY TEAM
The Travel & Tourism Advisory Team is a world-class group with in-depth experience in travel-related services, strategic planning, industry best practices and operational issues.
Robert H. Burns, Senior Industry Advisor – Mr. Burns was the Founder of the Regent International Hotels Group, which established the standard for service and facilities at high-end hotels, commencing in 1970, when he founded the Hong Kong-based Regent International Hotels. In the early 1990s, he sold his interest in Regent International to Four Seasons Hotels. Mr. Burns previously had a successful career as a senior executive with Sheraton, Westin and Hilton hotels. He served as Chairman of the World Travel & Tourism Council from 1994-1996, and has served as a faculty member of the University of Hawaii and as President of the Hawaii Hotel Association. In addition, he has served as the first Visiting Industry Professor at the School of Hospitality Business at Michigan State University. Currently, Mr. Burns serves as Chairman of the Robert H. Burns Foundation, and as a director of both the Asia Pacific Fund and the Wharf (Holdings) Limited in Hong Kong.
Colin Marshall, Senior Industry Advisor – Lord Colin Marshall of Knightsbridge is a British businessman and a member of the House of Lords. Lord Marshall is the former Chairman of British Airways, where he served as Chief Executive from 1983 through 2004. Prior to that, he had 20 years’ experience in the vehicle leasing and rental business, initially with Hertz and later as President and CEO of Avis. He was appointed Chairman of Pirelli UK PLC in 2003, and Chairman of Nomura International PLC in 2004. Lord Marshall was one of the founding members of the World Travel & Tourism Council and has also served as a member of the Council’s Executive Committee. He was the Chairman of VisitBritian; President of the Confederation of British Industry (“CBI”); Chairman of the CBI International Advisory Board; Chairman of the Board of Governors of Birkbeck College, University of London; and a member of the British American Business Council International Advisory Board. In addition, he has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the Conference Board Inc., The Royal Institute of International Affairs, and a member of the Board of HSBC Holdings PLC.
Jonathan S. Linen, Senior Industry Advisor – Mr. Linen has been an advisor to the Chairman of American Express Company, a diversified worldwide travel and financial services company, since January 2006. He previously served as Vice Chairman of the company, as President and Chief Operating Officer of American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. and as President and Chief Executive Officer of Shearson Lehman Brothers. Mr. Linen has presided on the Policy Committee of the Travel Business Roundtable and has been a Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee of the World Travel & Tourism Council since its inception. He serves as a member of the Boards at Bausch & Lomb, Yum! Brands, Inc, InterContinental Hotels Group, the U.S. Travel & Tourism Promotion Advisory Board and is an Executive Committee Member of the Board of NYC & Company.
Frank A. Olson, Senior Industry Advisor – Former Chairman and CEO of Hertz, the world’s most recognized brand name in the global rent-a-car business, Mr. Olson was responsible for extending Hertz’ global services throughout the world, where Hertz distinguished itself as the most profitable and high-service-oriented company in that industry sector. Mr. Olson has also served as Chairman of United Airlines and CEO of Allegis Corporation (parent of Hilton International, Hertz, Westin Hotels and United Airlines). He is a member of the Board of Directors of PSA Airlines and Sentient Jet Corporation, and has served as a member of the Executive Committee of the World Travel & Tourism Council.
Leo A. Daly III, Senior Industry Advisor – Mr. Daly is Chairman, CEO of LEO A DALY, the largest privately held design firm in the United States. Under Mr. Daly’s leadership, the firm has established offices in Berlin, Madrid, Tokyo, Atlanta, Phoenix, Las Vegas and Dubai. In 1991, he was elected a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA). He holds professional memberships in the AIA, Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, and the Society of American Military Engineers, as well as membership in the Royal Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA) and USO World Board of Governors. He is Chairman of the Asia Society based in Washington, D.C., and Chairman of the Center for the Study of the Presidency. The countries of Italy and Jordan have bestowed honors upon Mr. Daly, and he was awarded the Silver Bauhinia Star by the Government of Hong Kong for his contribution to global architecture and for fostering relations between the United States and Hong Kong. Mr. Daly also was awarded the prestigious SAME Urbahn Medal Award in recognition of his work in architecture, particularly his leadership in the design and construction of the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.
André Jordan, Senior Industry Advisor – Mr. Jordan is a South American and European property developer and the retired Chairman of Lusotur – Empreendimentos Turisticos, S.A., the Developer of Vilamoura, Portugal, the largest resort community in Portugal and Europe. Mr. Jordan has been recognized as a distinguished leader in the Travel & Tourism Industry, serving as Vice Chairman of the World Travel & Tourism Council and former Chairman of Urban Land Institute, Portugal. He also is a Member of the High Counsel for Foreign Investment and a Member of the Supervisory Board of INDEG/ISCTE Business School.