Ahmed Elshafei

Ahmed Elshafei Email and Phone Number

Travel Services Sourcing | Travel Program Director @
Ahmed Elshafei's Location
New York City Metropolitan Area, United States
About Ahmed Elshafei

I am a travel services sourcing lead with over 18 years of experience in global business travel management and operations. I hold a master's degree in aviation security and safety, and a certification in aviation management professional (AvMP). I have a proven track record of driving customer excellence, efficiency, cost savings, and expense management solutions for large organizations.As a travel services sourcing lead at Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), I spearheaded all aspects of the corporate travel program, overseeing a USD $40M annual budget and a team of travel consultants of different experience levels. I created and updated policies, delivered presentations, and worked with partners on initiatives to improve systems and tools. I also led the consolidation and transformation of the travel program, saving USD $3M per year and securing higher corporate discounts and better value for travelers. I am passionate about enhancing customer experience, managing travel risk, and leveraging data and technology to optimize travel performance and outcomes.

Ahmed Elshafei's Current Company Details
Self-employed

Self-Employed

Travel Services Sourcing | Travel Program Director
Ahmed Elshafei Work Experience Details
  • Self-Employed
    Independent Consultant
    Self-Employed Dec 2023 - Present
    United States
    Providing strategic travel management counsel to diverse businesses.Measuring customer satisfaction and advising on initiatives to increase client retention.Integrating advanced travel technologies for operational efficiency.Implementing robust travel risk policies and safety protocols.
  • Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (Adia)
    Travel Services Sourcing Lead - (Travel Program Director)
    Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (Adia) Mar 2020 - Apr 2023
    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
    Spearheaded all aspects of the corporate travel program ($40M annual budget), including oversight of vendor performance, 15-member Travel Management Company, travel risk, and virtual payment provider. Created policies and delivered presentations to explain new procedures. Worked with partners on initiatives to improve systems and tools.Oversaw training, and media subscriptions ($20M budget). Sourced and managed negotiations and buying with strategic vendors.Developed long-lasting relationships—valued at $30M/year—with 3rd-party vendors across air travel, hotels, travel security, virtual card payments & travel booking tools.Captured $6M savings per year through successful negotiations with strategic vendors.Boosted efficiency, eliminated redundancies, and captured improvements valued at $10M/year through direction of multiple transformation and outsourcing projects covering travel management, expense, operations, and security.Played essential role as travel advisory expert in response to global restrictions during Covid-19 pandemic. Delivered guidance on travel restrictions, entry requirements, and safety conditions. .
  • Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (Adia)
    Travel Services Buyer (Travel Program Manager)
    Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (Adia) Sep 2016 - Mar 2020
    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
    Led operations and managed relationship with travel management company; oversaw purchase requisitions for travel, Reviewed RFP proposals and negotiated services & prices with vendors—prepared and executed new contracts. Verified/ approved payments and performed audits on purchased services. Played key role as point of contact with internal and external stakeholders. Served as business continuity coordinator for HR team.Saved $3M USD per year, securing higher corporate discounts and better value to travelers, through renegotiation of corporate agreementsLed improvement and implementation of several travel systems including self-booking tools, approval workflows (Oracle based) and automating back-office invoicing and payment to vendors. Improved response by organization during crisis by coordinating and supporting security tracking system for international travelers
  • Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (Adia)
    Travel Supervisor
    Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (Adia) Dec 2011 - Sep 2016
    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
    Led corporate travel program as second in charge—guided directors on strategy, as well as risk and safety issues, ensuring compliance with corporate policy. Assisted with travel arrangements and details and supported customers with complex travel matters. Selected and managed relationships with travel management and travel advisory companies, airlines, and hotels. Regularly updated policies and procedures and responded to business continuity issues. Supervised and acted as escalation point for 5 staff. Verified data and approved payments for travel transactions. Oversaw VIP and official delegation travel.Drafted/delivered new dynamic business travel policy that governs all aspects of business travel.Created and introduced improved reporting and verification tools for travel transactions.Built and grew relationship between the organization and 50+ global travel suppliers.
  • Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (Adia)
    Multiple Roles
    Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (Adia) Mar 2007 - Dec 2011
    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
    Held administrative positions including Travel Officer, Administrator and Supervisor. Arranged employee air travel, hotel accommodations, and transportation, for local and international trips on GDS systems including Amadeus and Sabre.Delivered reports to management on travel use, trends, and spending.
  • Emirates
    Tours Consultant - Holidays
    Emirates Sep 2006 - Mar 2007
    Cairo, Egypt
    • Perform sales calls to travel agencies and outbound tour operators to increase the business share in market. • Provide training to travel agencies on online system usage.• Performed travel duties, which include sales and booking of travel tickets, hotels reservations, car services, offering suggestions and providing advice.
  • Emirates
    Tours Assistant - Holidays
    Emirates Apr 2004 - Sep 2006
    Cairo, Egypt
    • Provide holiday solutions to individual customers, honeymooners, business travelers etc.• Use Emirates systems to price and tailor itineraries and provide quotations for air tickets, hotels, tours etc.• Handle walk in customers, telephone inquiries, emails and perform marketing calls to travel agencies.• Provide appropriate information and knowledge about the products being offered to customers.
  • Hilton
    Marketing Coordinator - Hilton Sharm Dreams Resort
    Hilton Sep 2002 - Jan 2003
    Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
    • Conduct market based questionnaires and surveys with existing and potential guests.• Telemarketing for existing customers providing information on the hotel's services and facilities.• Escort individual and group guests to excursions, safaris & cruises provided by the hotel.• Provide presentations about hotel services for potential customers.

Ahmed Elshafei Education Details

Frequently Asked Questions about Ahmed Elshafei

What company does Ahmed Elshafei work for?

Ahmed Elshafei works for Self-Employed

What is Ahmed Elshafei's role at the current company?

Ahmed Elshafei's current role is Travel Services Sourcing | Travel Program Director.

What schools did Ahmed Elshafei attend?

Ahmed Elshafei attended Coventry University, Emirates Aviation University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Iata Training, Arab Academy For Science, Technology And Maritime Transport, Emirates Aviation University.

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