As part of its commitment to continuous improvement and to be able to provide an enhanced seamless service for its clients across borders, international corporate services company Hogg Robinson Group (HRG) has embarked on its restructuring programme in Europe.  The restructure will enable HRG to operate on a Europe-wide basis, rather than by country, which better reflects the growing international focus of HRG’s multinational clients. At the same time, the new organisation will improve service to national clients.

Reto Bacher, Regional President for HRG in Europe, commented: “Providing our clients with a truly seamless operation in Europe is something that we’ve been planning for some time. The restructure allows us to further break down the barriers to business that can sometimes exist between countries.”

He added: “This European initiative follows the successful integration last year of HRG’s operations in the United States and Canada to form HRG North America.”

As part of the restructure programme, HRG has appointed four European Managing Directors, each with specific areas of responsibility in Europe and with significant input on the wider global stage:

• Europe North will be headed by Hans Holmen (previously Managing Director of HRG Nordic), who is based in Stockholm, Sweden.
• Europe Central is now led by Beat Bürer (previously Managing Director for HRG Switzerland) who is based in Zurich, Switzerland.
• Europe West will be headed by Peter Kite (formerly Managing Director of HRG UK) who is based in Farnborough, UK.
• Europe Multinational Services (covering all client services functions for HRG’s key managed clients across the region) is now controlled by Ian Windsor (previously Operations Director Europe). Ian is based in Farnborough, UK.

HRG also continues to expand its technology capabilities to enable its clients to have even greater control of their corporate travel and related expenditure. Reto Bacher commented: “Technology is a vital component in our ability to add value for our clients and as a result we have been developing a radically different technology platform, HRG Universal Super Platform (USP).

“HRG USP is based on leading-edge industry standard technology and provides one seamless international environment for all services. Developed in house, HRG USP provides the flexibility required to meet specific client needs while also delivering the benefits of global coverage and consistent standards. Both in-house and third-party products and services can be integrated with the platform to achieve a tailored solution.  The benefits of the flexibility and control that HRG USP offers are substantial not least in providing the best possible deals from the widest possible market through one single source.’”

Another important service improvement is HRG’s commitment to linking up travel reservation centres in the UK, Hungary, Sweden, Singapore and Canada which will allow HRG to adopt a ‘follow the sun’ strategy with service centres providing continuous support for clients regardless of geographic location or time of day.

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For further information:

Hogg Robinson Group
Christiane Wronski
Head of Marketing and Communications, Europe Central
Tel: + 49 (0) 69 / 66 80 21 – 2300
Email: christiane.wronski@hrgworldwide.com

Laurie Waugh
Public Relations Manager
Tel: + 44 (0) 1256 312 623
Email: laurie.waugh@hrgworldwide.com

Euro RSCG Biss Lancaster
Jenny Collins / Alice Mayor
Tel: + 44 (0) 207 467 9200
Email: blhrg@bisslancaster.com

Notes to Editors:

Hogg Robinson Group (HRG) is the award-winning international corporate services company. Founded in 1845, HRG has over 60 years specific corporate travel expertise. Its corporate services interests include wholly-owned or majority controlled corporate travel operations in 25 of the key driver and growth markets throughout Asia Pacific, Europe and North America. Supported by contracted partners, the HRG worldwide network extends to nearly 100 countries.

Totally committed to a value offering for clients, HRG offers a comprehensive range of corporate services which in addition to Corporate Travel Management also includes Expense Management, Consulting, Events & Meetings Management and Sports.