About Our Management Team.
Peter Klebanow – President
Peter Klebanow assumed the position of President and CEO in 1994 with the intention of positioning Ultramar as a leader in business travel, capable of competing with firms of all sizes. Since then, Peter has distinguished himself as an industry expert -- and Ultramar as a premier travel management firm -- through his commitment to developing and employing advanced technology that enables intimate personal service. This perseverance has driven Ultramar to consistently achieve technology firsts within the field.
An integral member of the executive team since 1980, Peter joined Ultramar cognizant of the many opportunities to deliver a superior experience to their sophisticated, demanding business travelers. Having grown-up in the travel business and subsequently traveled the world, Peter possesses an in-depth knowledge about places and expected experiences. He is therefore able to speak "peer to peer" with client CEOs who seek his opinion. This understanding, combined with experience gained as a Systems Engineer at Electronic Data Systems and education (BA in Economics and Computer Science from Tulane University, MBA in Management from New York University) is what has powered Ultramar's growth as a nimble, forward-thinking industry forerunner.
In recent years, Peter's success has been noted in many ways, including seats on numerous advisory boards, regular quotes in travel and business publications, and speaking engagements at conferences, such as the Association of Legal Administrators.
Peter is also a member of the Young Presidents Organization, ASTA, and ICTA. Moreover, his global peers have recognized him for his cultural and industry leadership through his appointment as Chairman of GlobalStar Travel Management, a worldwide joint-venture partnership of leading travel management companies with combined sales in excess of $5 billion annually.
These appointments and placements speak to the integrity and key relationships that Peter and Ultramar have come to represent within the industry -- and which ultimately translate into unparalleled client service.
Michel Botbol – Chief Operating Officer
"At Ultramar I enjoy developing business solutions that differentiate Ultramar from the competition...."
With a diverse background in finance, Information Technology, strategic planning, and operations, Michel Botbol is well suited to further Ultramar's commitment to provide high levels of satisfaction and exceptional value through innovative technology. From a financial standpoint, Michel is able to offer Ultramar's clients a unique perspective, assisting travel managers with building presentations and models to help clients make better choices and save money.
Michel's extensive background in finance and IT contributes to his belief that through Ultramar's development and employment of advanced technology -- enabling intimate personal service -- Ultramar provides a successful business model, able to consistently offer its clients a superior experience. Committed to this business model, Michel has successfully delivered on his mandate to help Ultramar grow both on a national and international level. In fact, since joining the Company in 2003, Ultramar's revenue has increased threefold.
Michel attributes such staggering success to a strong customer focus amongst his team, and to listening to Ultramar's clients, thereby building strong partnerships. Michel thrives on negotiating creative, "win-win" deals with Ultramar's vendors and enjoys thinking out of the box to provide ideas to improve the efficiency of the company.
Michel’s extensive background in finance and IT contributes to his belief that through Ultramar’s development and employment of advanced technology -- enabling intimate personal service -- Ultramar provides a successful business model, able to consistently offer its clients a superior experience. Committed to this business model, Michel has successfully delivered on his mandate to help Ultramar grow both on a national and international level.
Originally from France, Michel began his career as Group Project Leader with F.N.A.C., France's largest retailer, where he was responsible for developing management software that consolidated and centralized store data. Later at Groupe Danone, the worldwide leader in fresh dairy and natural spring water products, Michel streamlined operations, strengthened the sales force, and rebuilt the IT department of its L'Alsacienne subsidiary. Then, as Danone Export Division's Vice President, Strategic Planning and Corporate Controller, he combined his IT and financial expertise to design and implement a world-wide data base to consolidate reporting methods and support the division's long-term strategic planning. Continually benchmarking against best practices to achieve high levels of satisfaction, Michel enabled Groupe Danone's North American Division to more than triple its sales from $250 million to $800 million through internal growth and strategic acquisitions during his tenure as Vice President, Chief Financial Officer.
Michel is proud of his better-than-average tennis skills, and is even prouder that after nine years, he can now call himself an American citizen.
"I enjoy working at Ultramar because it's innovative, fast paced, entrepreneurial and, perhaps most importantly, fun!"
Thomas Chermack – Chief Information Officer,
"I love seeing the practical results of my team's efforts in terms of ease of deployment and ease of use of the technologies that we develop at Ultramar."
During Thomas' eleven year tenure at Ultramar, he has truly been a driving force behind the Company's ability to surround every client with smart technology that is intelligently employed to create a superior travel experience. Managing an IT team of eight and a seven-figure budget, Thomas greatly enjoys working with "the best travel technology team in the travel industry." With this team, Thomas excels at building technology solutions and infrastructure that support all of Ultramar's prestigious clients while enabling the Company to grow rapidly and efficiently.
Among his numerous accomplishments while at Ultramar, Thomas is most proud of building an independent user management system that synchronizes with all systems involved in travel and provides customer facing tools and applications that facilitate a seamless experience for all those involved - from travelers, travel managers, travel arrangers, administrators, to CFOs, and risk audiences.
Thomas is also credited with creating out-of-the-box integrations with Ultramar's major vendors such as GetThere, Concur, Cliqbook, iJet, and Continental Airlines. These integrations are considered unique in design and application within the travel industry. He also worked side-by-side with Ultramar's COO and finance group to patent Ultramar's very own legal recruiting application, RecruitSync.
On a daily basis, Thomas enjoys having the opportunity to adapt Ultramar's cutting edge technologies and customizing them to meet each client's unique needs -- all within industry specific requirements. He also thrives on solving customer challenges with innovative ideas, technologies and processes that get Ultramar's clients results in timeframes that exceed their expectations.
As Thomas aptly puts it: "I love having the opportunity of conceiving, designing and implementing solutions that are scaleable to our client base. Our customers have access to the same functionality whether they are our smallest or our largest customer." Thomas is recognized regularly by his peers for his innovation and industry understanding. For example, he sits on the GetThere advisory council, commenting on current and future functionality, examining what the market is looking for, how technology is used, and how these factors converge.
Thomas' work as a studio musician for 12 years and subsequent interest in music composition software led him into the technology field. This interest, paired with over eight years as a travel counselor at Liberty Travel, gave him the idea of improving the traveler's overall experience through better technology.
"Our travelers benefit from our integrations by having an enjoyable experience that gives them all relevant information pertaining to their travel and booking capabilities that are the best in the industry."
Evan Friedman – Executive Vice President
"I enjoy turning cold calls and personal visits into prospects and then into satisfied clients."
With over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Evan Friedman understands the value of delivering a superior experience to sophisticated, demanding business travelers.
Since joining Ultramar almost eight years ago, Evan and his global new business development team have tirelessly worked to secure new business, thereby growing the firm's portfolio of clients in the legal/professional services, fashion, financial services and manufacturing industry. Evan attributes his success to his ability to work with all levels in his clients' organization to identify, analyze and solve problems. The consummate sales professional, Evan excels at networking -- with employees, current customers and vendors -- to obtain leads for new business.
Evan has a history of not only building relationships with clients, but also maintaining them long after the sale. Once the client is on board, Evan remains involved; many of the lessons he has learned in travel management come from dealing first-hand with the frustrations business executives face during their travel experience before they ever walk through the doors of a hotel. Evan will also consult with potential clients to craft forward-thinking, customized RFPs.
Evan has demonstrated high levels of excellence throughout his career, notably as Vice President Sales & Marketing for Affinia Hospitality/Manhattan East Suite Hotels and Swissotel NY/The Drake in New York, where he managed a staff of nine executives in sales and catering, and successfully launched a new 15-room Executive Conference Center. He was also regional sales director at Prime Hospitality, a group of mostly all-suite properties, among them its flagship AmeriSuites, designed and appointed to meet the needs of business travelers.
Evan plays a proactive role in effecting positive change in the travel industry as a member of a number of leading associations. He has earned the distinguished designation of Certified Hospitality Marketing Executive (CHME) by the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International, and is also a member of the American Society of Travel Agents, The National Business Travel Association, and the Corporate Travel Association of New York City.
It is this demonstrated dedication to, and in-depth understanding of, the travel industry that convinces prestigious organizations that place high value on the comfort and efficiency of their business travelers to consistently choose Ultramar as their travel management partner.
Evan's drive to excel crosses over to his personal life as well. 14 years ago he participated in a weight reduction program and lost 125 pounds. He has kept the weight off ever since.
"I thrive on hearing positive feedback about Ultramar's performance from prospective clients that perform reference checks."
Barbara Yarar– Senior Vice President, Operations
"I enjoy harnessing the knowledge and passion of my team and aiding them in achieving continued success with their teams and customers -- and having fun along the way."
Since Barbara first joined the executive team at Ultramar several years ago, she has done a lot to contribute to the Company's impressive track-record of providing a superior experience to its sophisticated and demanding clients.
Responsible for all of Ultramar's travel centers and satellite offices nationwide, Barbara is quite proud of the operational growth she has achieved (40+% year-over-year) while maintaining exceptional levels of customer service.
When a new client comes on board, Barbara adeptly assesses the client's individual needs and corporate culture and then assigns the perfect team of agents. By having all Ultramar agents undergo continuous training, placing the emphasis on standards and procedures, she ensures that Ultramar is proud of even its newest team member.
During her tenure at Ultramar, Barbara has successfully designed and implemented a Qwest/Lucent call routing solution across the company -- no small feat -- and is continually looking to create opportunities for internal development resulting in promoting star performers into leadership roles.
Prior to joining Ultramar, Barbara was the Director of Operations at TQ3 Travel Solutions where she managed $220 million in global account revenues, including TQ3's Northeast Region offices, and also oversaw key offices in Ohio, Indiana, and California. Barbara's commitment to quality and outstanding customer service was recognized with the company's "Best of 2001" and "Peak Performers" awards. Prior to TQ3, she held top management positions at both Rosenbluth International and Maritz, Inc.
Her 25+ years of travel business management experience is an asset to Ultramar's executive team and the company as a whole. Each day, she ensures that Ultramar provides its clients with highly-responsive, hands-on service from skilled agents that work in real-time and do things the right way from the beginning.
In her free time, Barbara enjoys spending time with her family.
"I enjoy working in a creative and innovative environment with a culture of trust, respect, and integrity."
Carolann Martini – Senior Vice President, Client Consulting
"I'm more efficient at doing 10 things at once than one, which serves me well since it allows me to be confident that all of our clients are being well taken care of…"
Ever since joining Ultramar several years ago, Carolann has been instrumental in developing an "amazing team" for the Client Consulting Department. According to Carolann, collectively, there is not an industry relations individual out there that this team doesn't know.
With over 20 years experience, Carolann Martini uses her excellent relationship-based negotiation skills on a daily basis to consistently maximize client satisfaction and contribute to the success of their travel programs and, ultimately, their bottom line.
Carolann is quite proud of the extremely high client retention rate Ultramar has enjoyed under her tutelage. Her other accomplishments include industry-specific benchmarking that her department developed and the creation of strategic plans for her clients in order to take their travel programs to the next level.
Always ready to rise to a challenge, one of the things that Carolann is most proud of is the ability to win over a difficult client. The more challenging, the more determined she becomes. And while she believes "the client is always right", she also feels that that there must be a level of mutual respect. As she puts it, "When you're comfortable that you've developed a true partnership (this doesn't happen overnight -- you must prove yourself), then the relationship flourishes and is advantageous to both parties."
Carolann honed her exceptional skills in various departments at the nation's top travel management firms. While at McCord Business Travel Management, Carolann oversaw branch location operations and analyzed financial opportunities, facilitating cost saving measures for clients. During her tenure there she also received the President's Club Award for superior job performance in 2000. She also led McCord clients in a successful transition to WorldTravel/BTI, and managed over $50 million in annual global sales at WorldTravel/BTI.
An avid traveler and a self-proclaimed "shopaholic," Carolann knows that she has found the perfect position with Ultramar since she enjoys being invited to her fashion clients' sample sales and hitting the road with her eight year old daughter.
"I am very proud to be part of Ultramar's Executive Committee…. I know that I've found a home at Ultramar because I typically have a smile on my face."
Barbara Bertini - Online Programs Consultant
"We attract a great group of clients that are mostly seasoned travel professionals. They are wonderful to work with because they know the value of a first-class travel program and have confidence in our recommendations."
A true industry veteran, Barbara Bertini's expansive knowledge of the industry and all the elements that make up a travel program are a true asset to Ultramar. And while her colleagues are focusing on the clients' bottom line, Barbara spends her time getting clients on line.
Committed to enhancing and maximizing each client's online adoption program, Barbara uses her extensive knowledge and experience to craft the appropriate plan for each client, ensuring that the online adoption process is custom-designed, or "right-sized," to meet their needs.
Barbara prides herself on the fact that in several cases she has taken clients from single digit adoption (with their previous travel management company) to adoption rates of 35% and up from day one with Ultramar. In one instance, one company was at 2% adoption before coming onboard, and was at 36% during the first week with Ultramar. Another client quickly achieved 70% online adoption, which resulted in thousands of dollars worth of savings.
Barbara attributes such significant results to how easy Ultramar makes online adoption through online communication plans, in person training, web training, incentive options, and much more. She strives for -- and achieves -- a seamless online roll out each and every time.
Barbara began building her strong industry relationships as Manager of VIP Services at American Airlines. She later strengthened these while managing a $100+ million budget at GetThere Inc., a leader in online travel reservations. While at GetThere, Barbara provided her high-profile clients with the comfort level and resources necessary for them to expand or convert their online travel billings -- a difficult undertaking as corporations struggle to contain costs by finding the right mix of online technology and offline travel agency service.
A self-proclaimed "foody," Barbara is addicted to cooking channels on TV, trying out new restaurants, and most of all, she loves to cook. She enjoys taking cooking lessons in her spare time and would love to be a chef in her "next life."
"The integrity that comes from the executive team is a thread that runs throughout the company."
Yvette Dale - Assistant Vice President, Client Consulting
"I enjoy working at Ultramar since it is a company with an entrepreneurial spirit and recognizes that its employees are its key asset…"
With almost ten years under her belt at Ultramar, Yvette has been an integral part of the Company's growth while maintaining the same commitment of excellence to her clients.
Yvette has accomplished a lot during her tenure, including seamlessly implementing $40 million in new business while managing $62 million in combined client spend -- with no less than 100% client retention.
Yvette enjoys working alongside the SVP of Client Consulting to create and implement policies and procedures for the department to increase overall operating efficiencies and meet client and corporate goals. To this end, Yvette continually develops and delivers client business plans, account reviews and conducts industry benchmarking. She is also a pro at negotiating and securing cost-effective airline, hotel and car contracts.
Before joining Ultramar, Yvette was part of a US Air taskforce that identified company service issues and developed the appropriate solutions to solve them. She later gained further travel industry experience at MSB Travel.
In her current role of Assistant Vice President, Client Consulting, Yvette has enhanced Ultramar's ability to track agent performance, making sure each agent offers highly-responsive, hands-on service. In addition, she meets and consults with clients to develop or maintain effective T & E programs and monitors for travel compliance.
Yvette enjoys traveling, biking, running, cooking and gardening.
"I enjoy working with a client to learn what their goals are and coming up with creative solutions that affect the client's bottom line, as well as Ultramar's."
Tara McCormack - Director, Client Consulting
"I love meeting a new client, learning about their needs and then devising creative ways of helping them attain those goals."
With over 20 years of experience in the field of corporate travel management, Tara has a proven track record of negotiating air, hotel and car rental contracts on behalf of her clients that positively impact their bottom line spend.
Tara is proud of her reputation for being able to quickly identify a potential client relations problem and for having the ability to correct the situation to the satisfaction of the client. Her philosophy is based on relationship building and long term retention of clients.
Since joining Ultramar, Tara has been involved in successfully implementing a major financial firm's travel program, which has a projected air volume close to $15 million. She was also instrumental in assisting this client in getting their online booking adoption rate up to 75% in three months' time.
Tara thrives on the satisfaction of knowing at the end of the day that her accounts have received outstanding service and that she has assisted them in meeting the challenges of managing a successful travel program.
Tara began her career as a travel counselor at Direct Travel, Inc., a prestigious NYC based travel management firm. During her 14 years there, she held the positions of Manager of Operations and Director of Onsite Operations. In 1998 she transitioned into the area of client relations and realized that this was her strong suit. At Stratton Travel Management she held the position of Director, National Accounts where she oversaw a team of Account Managers. Her clients included CR Bard, Clarins and Educational Testing Service. One of the accomplishments she is most proud of was managing the movement of 6,500 teachers from all over the world each June for ETS' Advanced Placement seminars. Most recently, she was VP of Client Relations for Altour, a NYC travel management firm.
A travel enthusiast, Tara's favorite destination is St John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. She also enjoys reading and yoga.
"In my opinion, Ultramar is providing the next generation of travel solutions for business travelers. We are continuously developing new technology and systems that help our clients achieve their goals."
Darren B. Tordy - Client Consultant, Client Consulting
"Having an operational background is key in this role as I have many contacts with vendors and this helps me in making deals for my clients to save them money and gain a high level of customer satisfaction."
A travel industry veteran of 17 years, Darren began his career at Austin Travel where he managed VIP travel and negotiated air and hotel contracts. After a successful stint there, Darren moved to Advance/Seagate Travel Group where he served as Team Lead Agent for Bloomberg Financial L.P. While there, Darren honed his exceptional client service skills by working on such prestigious accounts as Deutsche Bank and Conde Nast Publications.
Upon joining Ultramar several years ago, Darren quickly proved himself as an energetic team player, and was soon promoted to the Client Consulting team. Here Darren excels at constructing complex international and domestic itineraries for clients. Darren attributes his success to his desire to work hard and grow within a company that he trusts and that has a solid leadership team that he can call family.
Darren enjoys knowing that his role in account management helps gain additional business for Ultramar, and prides himself on his commitment to client satisfaction.
At Ultramar, Darren leverages his longstanding, strong business relationships with vendors to provide all his clients with the level of excellence that they have come to expect from Ultramar.
"One part of my job is meeting my customer needs. If an issue should arise no matter how small, I will do everything possible to seek a fair resolution for all parties involved."
Mary Jo Malarkey - Vice President, Groups and Meetings Division
"Every 'client issue' is an opportunity -- for change, for learning, for staff improvement, for a better relationship -- this is exciting to me."
As Vice President, Groups and Meetings Division, Mary Jo ensures that Ultramar's dedicated and experienced meeting planners work in concert with the Company's advanced conference management tools and capabilities, providing each client with a superior experience.
Since joining Ultramar in 2005, Mary Jo moved quickly to create a finely tuned team, poised, ready and able to service multiple clients, on a high volume basis. Eager to make an impact, she worked with Sales, Client Consulting and Operations to identify clients whose accounts showed opportunity for service improvement and growth in the Groups and Meetings Division. Mary Jo and her team took on these accounts energetically and systematically to achieve these service improvement goals.
A meeting industry veteran of 19 years, Mary Jo previously handled the creation of live meeting- based marketing initiatives for companies like Bristol-Myers Squibb and Glaxo. She also worked onsite as Manager of Small Meetings for Carlson Wagonlit Travel Management at Bristol-Myers in Skillman, NJ. While there she worked with other planners to consolidate all meetings of 50 persons and under, and succeeded in demonstrating a savings of over $1 million during the first year of the project.
From 2000 to 2002 she managed all meeting initiatives for the designated Meeting Planning Vendor for the Insurance Services Division of Morgan Stanley. During her oversight of their programs, she initiated the use of on-line registration for their meetings, bringing the technology profile of their meetings into the 21st Century. She served as Director of Meeting Services for MediMedia Educational Group -- bringing the department from 3 people to 18 people in two years while traveling as a planner 30 out of 52 weeks a year. Most recently, Mary Jo was a technical consultant for the creation and build of the Novartis On-line Consulting Board®.
In her free time Mary Jo enjoys painting in her studio and loves to travel.
"The energetic, supportive and fun-loving team environment at Ultramar is something I look forward to every day. Working with people who love what they do, and who care about their work product makes my job even more rewarding."
