INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS GROUP. SEPTEMBER ... Develop and amend
legal templates, model agreements, and contract ... Resume follows. 5. Have you
...
2015 HEDNA Board of Directors Candidate Profile Name: Title: Company:
Sandra Langley Director, Distribution Strategy, AMER InterContinental Hotels Group
1.
How long have you been in the hospitality industry/profession? 8 years
2.
Please highlight your employment experience, particularly as it relates to hotel distribution, and provide a biographical sketch of your professional career. INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS GROUP SEPTEMBER 2008 – CURRENT DIRECTOR, DISTRIBUTION STRATEGY Oversee all Americas business development strategy and account management in the OTA, GDS and travel intermediary industry market segments. Responsible for direct impact on increasing system generated revenue to IHG hotels through increased distribution via third party channels. Act as primary point of contact on the assigned market segment to brand management and management companies and serve as the acknowledged expert on market and customer issues within this market sector to IHG entities. APRIL 2007- SEPTEMBER 2008 SENIOR ATTORNEY GLOBAL DISTRIBUTION MARKETING Draft and negotiate global contracts, with emphasis on marketing, advertising (online and offline), technology and third party contracts, including GDS, OTA, BTA, and Wholesale/Tour Operators. Work closely with key executives to advise on a broad range of legal issues, including commercial and contract issues related to e-commerce initiatives, intellectual property issues and privacy issues. Develop and amend legal templates, model agreements, and contract processes. Train internal departments regarding contract negotiation and compliance issues. Proactively identify potential risks and trends throughout the organization and ensure appropriate and effective risk mitigation strategies are in place.
3.
How long have you held your current position? 6+ years
4.
Please highlight your professional achievements. Resume follows
5.
Have you attended HEDNA Conferences and Committee Meetings? If so, when/how often? Yes, I have attended the annual US Winter Conference for the past 5 years (it will be my 6th in 2015). I also attended the Spring HEDNA Conference in Madrid and Edinburgh and participated in the Leisure Wholesale Forum and Payment Technologies during 2012-2013. As of 2014, I am participating in the Metasearch Working Group.
6.
Have you contributed to any other organizations/groups? If so, please specify. Yes--all the memberships below
7.
Do you have memberships in professional bodies, other than HEDNA? If so, please specify.
8.
Georgia State Bar California State Bar Hospitality Lawyers Association HSMAI
Please detail what you believe to be HEDNA’s priorities and potential challenges and provide ideas on how to address them. I believe that HEDNA’s priorities are to lead the industry in engaging in dialogue regarding the challenges and opportunities the hotel industry is experiencing as a whole. It is not always necessarily to actually find the solution, but rather to bring experts together to provide: (i) the best information and; (ii) the preeminent and most innovative practices and trends to the industry; it is up to the membership whether or not to adopt. The priority for any hotel should be to sell as much inventory via the most cost-effective distribution channels which could potentially generate the most bookings – HEDNA’s priorities for hoteliers should focus on addressing and supporting this goal by arming the membership with intelligence. I see the specific issues concerning the industry for 2015 as follows: A. Channel proliferation as more distribution channels and non-traditional entrants enter the market (e.g. Google, Apple, Airbnb); B. Consolidation of the Industry (Priceline and Booking.com acquisitions); C. The threat of Metasearch; D. Balance between hoteliers direct web distribution and OTA indirect channel distribution-utilizing OTA's strategically; E. Onward distribution and rate parity (and best price guarantees); F. Continuing demand and expansion in emerging markets (China, India, etc.); and G. Standardization of content and connectivity standards across distribution channels
9.
Highlight any additional leadership experience that would add to your contribution to HEDNA’s Board of Directors. I have 20 years experience in Sales and Marketing, specializing in e-commerce before joining IHG. Additionally, I have worked with very large companies as well as start ups so I have a unique perspective with respect to challenges and opportunities for diverse clients and have a demonstrated proficiency in multiple disciplines.
See resume next page…
SANDRA M. LANGLEY 820 DRIFFIELD COURT ALPHARETTA, GEORGIA 30009 (770) 604-8023 (work) (770) 309-3305 (cell) ____________________________________________________________________________
EDUCATION Santa Clara University, School of Law
J.D., 1991; Law Review Associate Editor Admitted to California State Bar 1991 Admitted to Georgia State Bar 1996 International Business Law Certificate, Etvos Lorand University 1989 International Criminal Law Certificate, University of Salzburg 1989 University of California, San Diego
B.A. Philosophy, 1988 SHRM HR Generalist Certificate Program 11/98 SHRM International HR Certificate Program 6/99
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS GROUP AUGUST 2009- CURRENT DIRECTOR, DISTRIBUTION STRATEGY Responsible for IHG’s indirect sales channels in the Americas region, including agreements and connectivity with IHG's OTA and GDS intermediary partners. Manage business relationships with IHG’s strategic OTA’s, connected wholesale/Tour Operators and GDS partners and create preferred interfaces and improved business processes. Lead distribution channel strategy execution for IHG with respect to intermediaries in the Americas. Skills: Knowledge of GDS systems; strong understanding of OTA operations, and proven experience in analysis, excellent relationship building skills; customer service oriented; ability to manage multiple tasks; analytical ability to interpret statistical data;
and proven communication and presentation skills. A strong understanding of the principles of distribution, contract negotiation, and revenue management. Specialties: Global Distribution Systems, Online Travel Companies and Strategic Channel Solutions
APRIL 2007- AUGUST 2009 SENIOR ATTORNEY GLOBAL DISTRIBUTION MARKETING Draft and negotiate global contracts, with emphasis on marketing, advertising (online and offline), technology and third party contracts, including GDS, TPI, Travel Industry, Tour Operators. Work closely with key executives to advise on a broad range of legal issues, including commercial and contract issues related to e-commerce initiatives, intellectual property issues and privacy issues. Develop and amend legal templates, model agreements, and contract processes. Train internal departments regarding contract negotiation and compliance issues. Proactively identify potential risks and trends throughout the organization and ensure appropriate and effective risk mitigation strategies are in place.
SUBIMO, LLC (purchased by WebMD December 2006) June 2004- March 2007 GENERAL COUNSEL Served as GC for Internet Web development (non-public) company for healthcare industry handling Employment/HR matters, small acquisitions, licensing, general commercial transactions contracts and provided advice to management for a small company in growth mode. Worked with the CEO to provide legal advice, guidance and strategy within all business aspects of the company. Drafted and negotiated all commercial contracts, including data licenses, software licenses and maintenance agreements, hardware acquisition agreements, web hosting agreements, ASPs outsourcing agreements and other technology licenses, procurement agreements, and consulting agreements with distributors, retailers, health plans, and other healthcare organizations. Handled all intellectual property matters including filing of patents and trademarks. Served as a subject matter expert on health plans, payers and managed markets to the legal, compliance, and contracting departments. Applied innovative
problem solving skills and business judgment during contract negotiations to maximize revenue opportunities, minimize risk, and foster long-term business relationships. Supported the sales and supplier management teams in negotiating price, deliverables, and service and assumed primary responsibility for negotiation of other contract terms. Collaborated with and facilitated decision-making among senior management team. BARTON PROTECTIVE SERVICES INC. ATLANTA, GEORGIA September 2003- June 2004 (Company was sold) ASSISTANT GENERAL COUNSEL Handled a wide range of legal affairs of $300+ million, privately held company. Barton, with 12,000+ employees, provides contract security services to 900+ customers throughout the U.S. and Europe. Responsibilities included: Commercial contract preparation, review, negotiation and guidance relative to customers and vendors; Responsible for supporting sales, marketing, corporate and IT/IS with respect to all legal matters; Litigation management and supervision of outside counsel; Advise management with respect to employment-related matters including, policies, practices and procedures and preventive law; Draft and review EEOC/MCAD responses and attend mediation or fact finding conferences as required; Responsible for all International legal matters; including employment matters, foreign corporation authorizations and corporate due diligence; Involvement in all aspects of security agency licensing and state regulatory requirements.
T.I.C. ENTERPRISES, L.L.C. ROSWELL, GEORGIA February 1998- July 2001 (company was sold in May 2001) SENIOR COUNSEL & V.P. HUMAN RESOURCES Legal: Served as a business partner to senior management on both strategic and operational issues. As a member of the general management of the Company, participated in the direction and strategic positioning of all major business segments. Primarily supported the Sales, Marketing, & Distribution organizations. Responsibilities included reviewing and drafting contracts, providing general legal advice to internal clients, helped manage disputes, and providing training as needed. Interpreted statutes and regulations as well as recent judicial decisions with regard to their impact on the
Company’s business and business practices. Responsible for managing all litigation. Reviewed, drafted and negotiated a wide variety of commercial agreements, including: software license agreements, technology transfers, e-commerce, Internet transactions, strategic alliance and vendor contracts, plus license and intellectual property agreements. Provided trademark and copyright counsel. Provided advice to senior management on wide range of legal and regulatory matters. Assisted in drafting corporate compliance programs and legal policies.
Responsible for all aspects of the Human Resources and Employment Law function across the United States for 1000+ employees in telecommunications sales organization. Worked closely with the Executive Team and managed and implemented all aspects of Human Resources, recruitment and retention strategies, compensation and benefits, culture and organizational development, spearhead training and management development initiatives, and other Human Resources best practices and processes. Developed and implemented strategic human resources initiatives consistent with established business objectives. Provided guidance and counsel on human resources matters to ensure that the appropriate human resources issues were understood, the appropriate organizational structures, processes and procedures are developed, and solid action plans are implemented to support the mission, operational plans and competitive strategies of the Company. Budgeted and monitored the financial performance of Human Resource initiatives. Developed, maintained, and administered corporate policies, procedures and programs to ensure legal compliance. Identified issues and executed strategies for improving Human Resources systems and processes in the areas of compensation, recruitment, organizational development, employee relations, performance management, diversity and Affirmative Action. Monitored and ensured EEO compliance. Reviewed and actively influenced the development and rollout of corporate human resource policy and practice. Administered and advised management on ADA, FMLA, ADEA, Worker’s Compensation & OSHA matters. Created Employee and Manager’s Handbooks. Developed and administered Affirmative Action Plan under a federal government contract. Developed job descriptions and evaluated and redesigned compensation system/classifications/salary grades and bonus plan structures. Implemented an HRIS system. Designed and implemented a performance appraisal system. Redesigned recruiting process for outside sales force to improve retention. Reported directly to the President and directly supervise 8 exempt employees.
EQUIFAX, INC./ CHOICEPOINT, INC. (spin-off) ALPHARETTA, GEORGIA July 1995-February 1998 SENIOR ATTORNEY Drafted and negotiated transactional/commercial contracts for Healthcare Information Services and Insurance Services Divisions, including the following agreements: software licensing and development, data license, exclusive and non-exclusive marketing, Internet and website development, electronic data interchange, letters of intent, employment agreements, and various vendor service agreements. Supported business units (Marketing & Sales) regarding all legal issues (i.e. responded to complaints, FCRA matters, EEOC responses, regulatory and other inquiries). Responsible for all domestic and international employment law matters and worked with Human Resources on a daily basis regarding downsizing, harassment issues, FLSA issues, WARN notices, severance/release matters, compensation matters, adverse impact analysis, terminations, responses to EEOC complaints, investigations, etc. Conducted due diligence in mergers, acquisitions and divestitures.
NATIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION Cupertino, California
July 1994- July 1995 SENIOR ATTORNEY Drafted and negotiated intellectual property and commercial agreements for Fortune 500 Company. Prepared litigation strategy and managed outside counsel. Responsible for all domestic and international employment law matters, review and revision of Human Resources policies and procedures, resolution of employee relations matters, responses to EEOC, immigration and visa issues, and implementation of corporate compliance program. Responsibilities also included the negotiation and drafting of promissory notes, letters of credit, revolving credit agreements, environmental laws and regulations, E-business support, claims management and administration, real estate transactions, acquisitions and divestitures contracts and other general commercial and transaction matter. Interpreted state, federal and international employment laws, regulations and guidelines for legal compliance.
WILSON, SONSINI, GOODRICH & ROSATI Palo Alto, California CONTRACT ATTORNEY Primary focus on intellectual property and business litigation issues with substantial client contact. Legal research and writing. Drafted and prepared motions in limine and summary judgment. Propounded and answered discovery. Interviewed witnesses and prepared for deposition. MEMBERSHIPS: HEDNA, California State Bar, Georgia State Bar, HSMAI & American Corporate Counsel Association.
