Tom Klein appointed to Wheels Up Board

Friday, March 8, 2024

Wheels Up Experience Inc. (NYSE: UP) has announced the appointment of Tom Klein, Senior Managing Director at Certares Management LLC (“Certares”), to its Board of Directors as of March 1. Klein is taking over the unexpired term left by Jeffrey Nedelman, a previous Certares executive, who resigned to dedicate time to other pursuits. Klein is anticipated to be nominated for a full term at the 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and will assume Nedelman’s responsibilities on the Board’s Nominating and ESG Committee.

“We are thrilled to add someone with Tom’s extensive global aviation, travel and hospitality background to our Board of Directors,” said George Mattson, Wheels Up CEO. “Tom brings a unique perspective and decades of experience in the travel sector. I’d also like to thank Jeff for his time and service to the Board and Wheels Up. We wish him all the best and know he will remain a member of the Wheels Up family.” 

Klein, who has been with Certares as a Senior Managing Director since September 2018, brings a wealth of experience to the table. Before Certares, he served as the CEO and President of Sabre Corporation (“Sabre”), the parent entity of Travelocity.com, from August 2013 to June 2016. His tenure at Sabre also included various leadership roles, such as President, Executive Vice President, and Senior Vice President in both domestic and international capacities. Notably, Klein spearheaded Sabre’s initial public offering in 2014. His career before Sabre spanned 29 years in the travel industry, with roles at American Airlines and Consolidated Freightways. Additionally, Klein was a member of the Brand USA Board of Directors from 2010 to 2017, appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce and served as its Chairman. He also was a member of President Barack Obama’s Advisory Council on Doing Business in Africa. Currently, Klein holds board positions at Global Blue Group Holding AG since June 2022 and Avia Solutions Group AB since December 2021, and has past board experiences with Cedar Fair, L.P., Playa Hotels & Resorts N.V., and Nirvana Travel & Tourism L.L.C.

“With Tom’s considerable experience, Wheels Up is well-equipped to strengthen its position as a leading global aviation solutions provider,” said Adam Zirkin, Wheels Up Chairman. “I’m excited to have Tom join the Board and work with a strong management team on this unique opportunity to shape the next chapter for the company.”

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