Sabre Corporation announced it has appointed industry veteran Kurt Ekert president of Sabre, separating the roles of president and CEO as part of the company’s ongoing efforts to build a leadership team for its future. The appointment will take effect Jan. 3. Ekert will oversee all aspects of the company’s business and technology operations, including its technology transformation. He will report to Sean Menke, who will continue to serve as CEO. Menke said that Ekert brings extensive global operating leadership and a deep understanding of the travel technology ecosystem. Ekert recently served five years as president and CEO of Carlson Worldwide Travel (CWT). Prior to that he worked at Travelport, Orbitz Worldwide, Cendant and Continental Airlines. He said that “Sabre’s people and its compelling product offerings and customer relationships position the business well for the dynamic changes ahead in the travel sector.”