Former Manchester United chief to open World Travel Market 2015

WORLD – David Gill, the former chief executive of Manchester United Football Club, is to open November’s World Travel Market (WTM) London 2015. Since joining as finance director in 1997, Gill led the way for United to become one of the world’s most valuable football clubs in the world (currently valued at US$1.98bn), overseeing four English Premier League titles and one European Cup. Gill stepped down as chief executive in 2013 but remains a non-executive director. After Gill left Manchester United he was elected as Britain’s FIFA vice-president. Gill will open WTM London 2015 on 2 November at Excel London at the WTM Leaders Lunch,which will host 200 of the industry’s most senior executives. The lunch this year is organised in association with Mexico Tourism, WTM London’s Premier Partner. During the lunch BBC presenter Stephen Sackur will interview Gill about his career in the football business as well as his previous careers within travel. WTM senior director, Simon Press said: “I am delighted David Gill has agreed to open World Travel Market London 2015. “Such a successful and well-known businessman, Gill’s knowledge of international business will no doubt offer transferable knowledge to the senior industry leaders of global travel brands sat in the room before him. “David Gill will kick off the four days of business deal negotiations between 5,000 exhibitors and 9,000 WTM Buyers’ Club members perfectly.”