We’ve imagined a better way for some of the world’s most prominent companies and organizations. We’ve done the same for national and regional entities.
Headquartered in Europe, North America or APAC, our clients include private and publicly held institutions. Some are taking their first steps toward category management or consolidating programs following merger/acquisition activities. Others seek advanced solutions for mature programs.
Different as they may be, all of our clients share one ambition: to enhance program value.
Following a merger, a U.S.-based pharmaceutical company needed to develop a strategy for consolidating the organizations and operations of two companies to launch a worldwide state-of-the-art meetings program. Each company had distinct technologies and country-level practices for managing meetings and for engaging with government officials and members of the healthcare community. Policies and procedures needed to be unified and all major systems needed to be transitioned within just 18 months.
Key accomplishments:
When one of the world’s largest information technology companies wanted to transform Its global travel program, they turned to Areka Consulting to help them harmonize multiple initiatives that included end-to-end travel and expense integration. At the onset of the project three RFPs had been issued. The resulting awards were meant to be woven into a cohesive program that with one or more TMCs and supporting technologies.
The project encompassed $1billion in travel spend across all regions and 70+ countries. Areka was charged with supporting all aspects of final design, contracting and implementation within aggressive timeframes.
Areka’s Role:
When two automotive powerhouses formed a global business alliance, their aim was to enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of their respective products and technologies. To achieve their business goals, they needed long-term supplier relationships designed to jointly optimize the supply chain for both companies. With Areka overseeing strategy development, sourcing and worldwide implementation of the OBT, expense tool and TMC categories, the two companies chose to pursue a unified, end-to-end sourcing initiative, embracing 28 countries worldwide and over 100 entities.
Areka’s Role:
When a mobility industry leader based in France sought to transform their business travel program, they turned to Areka for strategy design and workstream support. The initial assessment determined that there was substantial opportunity to improve the company’s hotel strategy and program management. The aim was to redesign the hotel program to align with travelers’ needs and integrate the requirements of two subsidiaries to create a global program that was uniquely suited to the company’s needs.
With deep expertise in the marketplace, negotiations, sourcing and the Cvent platform, Areka designed a strategy. Particular attention was paid to establishing dynamic management and sustainability as program priorities. Cvent was used to manage the RFP process, which targeted chains and properties around the world. Aided by benchmarks, Areka pursued negotiations with key suppliers.
Key accomplishments:
1000 thanks for your support. Given a delicate mission, your adaptability and agility led to the right agreements and strategy”
(Category Manager, Luxury Goods)
Thanks Areka for the spirit in which you conducted this mission. You listen, you adapt and you are flexible.”
(Travel Buyer, Banking)
The quality of leadership, engagement and the level of detail you’ve demonstrated has been excellent. We asked you to challenge the status quo, (to) challenge us and our program generally; you certainly did and I’m very grateful for this. We’re collectively better for it.”
(T&E global head, Banking)
Charlie Bacharach, Senior Vice President of North America
Charlie Bacharach is Senior Vice President of North America, for Areka, based in New York. He has spent the last 20 years helping clients to advance their corporate travel programs by introducing new technologies, implementing innovative practices, and aligning mobility solutions to the needs of corporations and other organizations. His expertise extends to program design, booking tools and travel technology, supplier management and sourcing, as well as project management and change management.
Charlie has an established record of rapidly growing and scaling businesses in the travel sector, while delivering world-class services and project execution to his global clientele. Having held executive leadership positions with Orbitz for Business, Travel Leaders Corporate and Egencia, he has helped hundreds of companies transform their management of corporate travel spend, from first-time program implementations to global standardization of processes and procedures.
When he is not helping clients solve their travel management challenges, Charlie practices yoga and martial arts. He also enjoys golf, cooking and following New York-based sports teams. Though his wife and two children are pressing him to modernize his playlist, Charlie continues to be a die-hard fan of the Allman Brothers, Steely Dan, and the Rolling Stones.
