London, November 1, 2019: Julia Kemp, Director of Sales & Partnerships – International, at Avis Budget Group has been honoured as the 2019 recipient of the prestigious Institute of Travel & Tourism (ITT) Odyssey Award.
The award was presented to Julia by Chris Mottershead, President of the membership organisation for professionals employed in the travel and tourism industry, at the 63rd ITT President’s Dinner, held at the Savoy Hotel in London last night. The Odyssey Award is given to an individual in recognition of their significant contribution to the travel and tourism industry.
Mottershead introduced Julia by detailing her illustrious career, which started with a Saturday job in a travel agency, whilst still at college. She progressed quickly with roles in aviation and hospitality, before joining Avis Car Rental in 1998.
Julia joined Avis as Head of Leisure, with a brief to develop the travel and leisure sector within the group. Twenty years on and several promotions later, Julia manages and leads teams across a huge territory covering Europe, Africa, Middle East and Asia Pacific. Julia has flourished in an ever-expanding organisation, through significant acquisition and adapting to the expanded brand portfolio that is Avis Budget Group today.
ITT chairman Steven Freudmann said: “Julia has been one of the travel industry’s leading figures for over two decades. It is in recognition of her significant contribution both to the industry as a whole, and to ITT, that the board of ITT were unanimous that Julia Kemp should be the recipient of the 2019 Odyssey Award.”
Keith Rankin, President – International, Avis Budget Group said: “Julia is very deserving of the ITT Odyssey Award and we couldn’t be prouder of her. Her many highlights include forging successful customer relationships whilst consistently delivering revenue growth in all channels. Julia has excelled in her career, not just at Avis Budget Group but also in the wider industry.”
Julia Kemp said: “I’m humbled but delighted and very proud to be awarded the ITT Odyssey Award. I feel privileged to work in the travel industry with such amazing and inspiring colleagues, and I am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had at Avis Budget Group, which have allowed me to fully develop my career.”
Previous winners of the ITT Odyssey Award include Sir Richard Branson, Sir Freddie Laker, Carolyn McCall and Kuljinda Bahia.
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NOTES TO EDITORS
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About Avis Budget Group
Avis Budget Group, Inc. is a leading global provider of mobility solutions, both through its Avis and Budget brands, which have more than 11,000 rental locations in approximately 180 countries around the world, and through its Zipcar brand, which is the world’s leading car sharing network, with more than one million members. Avis Budget Group operates most of its car rental offices in North America, Europe and Australasia directly, and operates primarily through licensees in other parts of the world. Avis Budget Group has approximately 30,000 employees and is headquartered in Parsippany, N.J. More information is available at www.avisbudgetgroup.com