VIR Präsidiumswahl 2023

Munich, November 29, 2023 (w&p) – A mix of the tried-and-true and the new at the helm of the VIR: At its annual general meeting last Tuesday, the Verband Internet Reisevertrieb e.V. (Association of Online Travel Distributors) addressed the annual report and outlook for 2024, as well as elections for the executive board and, consequently, for the chairs of the three clusters. Four candidates were re-elected to their positions. There are two changes in the “Service & Travel Technology” cluster.

Jörg Hauschild, COO of Midoco Holding GmbH, will assume the chairmanship in the future. He is thus moving up from the position of vice chair and succeeds Nicole Zapp, Commercial Online Segment DEATCH at Amadeus Germany GmbH, who is stepping down from the role. Lars Seinschedt, Managing Director of neusta GmbH, will take on the role of vice chair for the first time. He and his company have been highly active in the association for quite some time.

Gereon Krahn, Head of Direct and Travel Agency Sales at Berge & Meer Touristik GmbH, was re-elected as Chair of the “Supplier & Tour Operator” cluster, as was his Vice Chair, Lara Ochsenfeld, Business Development Manager for Travel and Financial Institutions at Europe Assistance Services GmbH.

The same applies, not least, to the “Online Travel Agencies” cluster, chaired by Solveig Mayer, Director of Government & Corporate Affairs for Western & Northern Europe – Consumer & Transport Policy Europe at Expedia Group, with Michael Sattel, Director of Business Operations at COMVEL GmbH, serving as vice chair.

VIR Board Member Michael Buller commented: “I am very pleased that the cluster chairs enjoy such a high level of trust from our members. “I would also like to extend a warm welcome to Lars Seinschedt on the Executive Committee. We greatly value the innovative strength and expertise he and his company bring to the table. I would also like to express my sincere thanks to Nicole Zapp, who has helped shape our association’s work for many years. She will, of course, remain with us as an important member.”

“I am very much looking forward to strengthening our future exchange of ideas and working together as an industry to advance key issues,” said Lars Seinschedt of neusta software Development upon his election. “I am happy to contribute my many years of experience in the travel tech sector and would like to thank the members for the trust they have placed in me.”

Solveig Mayer of Expedia on her role in the association: “Given the increasing volume of legislation and complex requirements facing travel tech companies, it is becoming increasingly important to work together to address political and regulatory issues within the industry in order to succeed in the market. I look forward to continuing to support the VIR in representing our members’ interests in Berlin.”

Jörg Hauschild on his election: “I am very pleased to serve on the VIR Executive Board, as the association’s work has been a vital source of support for all members, especially during challenging times such as the pandemic. Given the ever-increasing number of legal regulations, the association also plays a key role in interpreting and providing expert commentary on emerging regulations and laws.”

Gereon Krahn, Berge & Meer: “I am grateful for the trust our members have placed in us and look forward to the coming years. We continue to face major challenges—including wars, climate protection, and the issue of artificial intelligence, which offers us tools that allow each of us to improve or simplify our processes using simple means.”

Regarding the Presidium’s role: It supports the VIR Executive Board, helping it stay even more in touch with the pulse of the industry. In addition, it decides on matters such as the admission of new members and plays a key role in assisting the association with member recruitment. Last but not least, it maintains a strong presence at events and serves as a voice for the members.

The press release is available for download here in PDF format.