We're delighted to welcome Jan T. Jacobsen to the ITM Board of Directors as one of our newest Buyer Board Directors.

With more than 25 years of international experience across hospitality, travel and procurement, Jan brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for championing the buyer voice. His experience spans global travel and mobility programmes, meetings and events, technology, payment solutions and the wider employee experience.

We caught up with Jan to learn more about what motivated him to join the Board, his thoughts on the future of business travel and the passion that has shaped his life beyond the industry.

What motivated you to join the ITM Board, and what excites you most about the opportunity?

I wanted to join the ITM Board because the business travel industry is entering a period of fundamental change, and I believe the buyer voice must play a central role in shaping what comes next.

ITM has a unique ability to bring together buyers, suppliers, intermediaries and technology providers in a neutral environment.

What excites me most is the opportunity to help turn industry conversations into practical value for members, while ensuring that organisations of different sizes, maturity levels and financial means can participate in the industry's development.

What perspectives or experiences do you hope to bring to the Board and wider ITM community?

I bring more than 25 years of international experience across hospitality, travel and procurement, including responsibility for a highly complex global Travel and Mobility programme.

My experience extends beyond traditional business travel into meetings and events, relocation, ground transportation, fleet and mobility, payment solutions, technology and the overall employee experience.

I hope to bring a broad ecosystem perspective, a strong buyer voice and a willingness to challenge established thinking constructively.

I'm particularly passionate about connecting global strategy with local realities and translating ambitious ideas into solutions that organisations can actually implement.

What do you see as the biggest opportunities for the business travel industry over the next few years?

The greatest opportunity is to create a genuinely connected travel ecosystem. Modern retailing, AI, better data and more integrated payment and servicing solutions could significantly improve both the traveller experience and programme performance.

However, technology alone will not achieve this. The industry must also address the fragmented commercial models and legacy financial interests that can slow innovation or transfer costs between different participants.

If we can create greater transparency and align incentives more effectively, the industry can move beyond managing transactions and become a more strategic enabler of productive, responsible and human-centred mobility.

What are you most looking forward to about working alongside the rest of the ITM Board?

I'm looking forward to working with people who bring different experiences, perspectives and ideas to the table.

The most productive boards create an environment where people can challenge one another constructively, learn from each other and remain focused on the community they serve.

I'm particularly excited about turning our collective insight into practical initiatives that help ITM members navigate change with greater confidence.

Can you name one book, podcast or habit that's made a lasting impression on you, and why?

The habit that has made the greatest impression on me is staying curious and asking one more question.

In a complex industry, the first answer often reflects how something has always been done. Asking why, what problem we are really trying to solve and who genuinely benefits can lead to a very different conversation.

Curiosity keeps me learning and prevents experience from becoming complacency.

Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing most?

DanceSport has shaped my life for more than three decades and remains one of my greatest passions.

As a former international competitor, I had the privilege of standing on podiums as a European medallist and reaching championship finals across the world. Those experiences ignited a lifelong appreciation for the unique blend of artistry and athleticism that defines the sport.

Today, my connection to DanceSport continues through coaching, adjudicating, leadership roles and organising international events in Norway.

What continues to inspire me is the way DanceSport brings together performance, discipline, music and human connection, creating communities that transcend borders and generations.

Beyond the dance floor, the sport has been an extraordinary teacher. It has instilled the value of resilience, the importance of leadership and the mindset of continuous growth, lessons that have influenced every aspect of my personal and professional journey.

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We look forward to working with Jan and seeing the experience, perspectives and enthusiasm he brings to the ITM Board and wider community.