CWT, the B2B4E travel management platform, has appointed Andrew Gunnels as the company’s first chief procurement officer. In his newly-created position, Gunnels will have responsibility over CWT’s global strategic sourcing and procurement operations and will also lead the company’s global real estate and facilities management.
Gunnels reports to Michelle Frymire, EVP and CFO at CWT.
“Andrew’s extensive experience in global procurement and strategic sourcing—having come up from a core finance function before moving to strategic sourcing—have given him a holistic view and understanding of how negotiated outcomes impact performance of the company,” Frymire said. “His new role as CPO very much aligns with CWT’s 3.0 strategy, including the transformation of the procurement function into a world-class business partner to improve competitiveness by driving efficiencies across the indirect supply base.”
Prior to joining CWT, Gunnels served as senior vice president at First Data, where he helped lead the full transformation of its global strategic sourcing function that delivered meaningful financial improvements for the firm.
Gunnels first worked in the travel industry a decade ago via Delta Air Lines where he started in the corporate finance function before heading over to the airline’s supply chain management organization, which worked to maximize quality, delivery and cost competitiveness across its supply chain.
At CWT, Gunnels is charged with taking business partnership and sourcing and procurement performance to the next level, while overseeing the global indirect portfolio of third party purchases, as well as managing CWT’s global footprint of facilities.
Gunnels graduated with a BBA from the University of Georgia and earned his MBA from the Instituto de Empresa in Madrid.
CWT is a leading global partner in business travel, meetings, and events. Operating across six continents, we deliver sustainable, tailored solutions that help organizations connect, engage, and thrive in an evolving world. Our myCWT platform integrates advanced technology with human expertise to simplify travel and enhance traveler and attendee experiences. Extensive global coverage, seamless data integration, AI-driven analytics, and carbon-conscious travel tools enable businesses to optimize their travel and meetings programs while delivering measurable value.
With 150 years of industry experience and a deep commitment to partnership, CWT collaborates with clients to shape the future of business travel and events, making them more efficient, responsible, and impactful.