Industry leaders Kevin O’Malley and Michael Qualantone collaborate with TMCs, GDSs, travel technology companies, and corporate travel buyers to accelerate progress in the sector.
Delaware, U.S. — April 29, 2025 — New M.O.™, a new player in the global managed travel industry, officially launches today with a mission to provide an independent voice for the sector—and to accelerate progress across the managed travel ecosystem.
Founded by Michael Qualantone and Kevin O’Malley, New M.O. will collaborate with travel management companies (TMCs), global distribution systems (GDSs), travel technology companies, and corporate travel buyers to address the most pressing challenges facing managed travel today—including content fragmentation, actions rooted in self-interest, lack of industry alignment, and inconsistent technology standards.
“There’s never been a more important time for managed travel to have a seat at the table,” said Kevin O’Malley, Founder and Partner at New M.O. “We’re here to bring clarity, accountability, and strategic focus to an industry that’s too often reactive and fragmented.”
Kevin O’Malley and Michael Qualantone, New M.O. founders
New M.O.—short for new modus operandi—is built around a core set of tenets, validated by corporate travel buyers, that define what every managed travel program should deliver: trusted partnerships, traveler care, program visibility and performance, traveler satisfaction, scalable standards, and innovation with integrity. Through thought leadership, industry collaboration, and data-driven advocacy, New M.O. will influence how the ecosystem responds to disruption and opportunity—with insight that drives better decisions across the supply chain.
“This isn’t about nostalgia for an old model—it’s about developing a better one,” said Michael Qualantone, Founder and Partner. “We believe travel is a force for good—economically and socially—and managed travel is the engine that makes business travel work at scale. But it needs a stronger voice and a greater focus across the ecosystem on corporate client and traveler needs.”
Since forming in late 2024, New M.O. has engaged many of the industry’s leading players, including TMCs, GDSs, and technology providers. A Client Advisory Board (Cab) — comprised of senior corporate travel buyers — has also been established to ensure the needs and priorities of corporate travel programs and travelers remain central to New M.O.’s agenda and impact. Membership of the Cab will remain anonymous to enable candid input and discussion.
New M.O.’s 2025 priorities include:
- Defining the true size and impact of managed travel.
- Clarifying the “must-haves” of a successful travel program: trusted partnerships, traveler care, program visibility and performance, traveler satisfaction, scalable standards and innovation with integrity.
- Holding all parties accountable for supporting managed travel’s core tenets—while advancing innovation, transparency, and greater satisfaction.
- Challenging strategies rooted in self-interest.
- Being active in the media and at industry events with insights and commentary.
Michael Qualantone spent 34 years at American Express and Global Business Travel (Amex GBT), where he ended up as Chief Revenue Officer. O’Malley worked 26 years (17 as CFO, six as CEO) at Travel & Transport before spending four years as CEO of North America for Corporate Travel Management (CTM). Together, they bring a deep understanding of the complexities, challenges, and opportunities within the managed travel ecosystem—and a shared commitment to helping the industry move forward, faster.
For more information—including New M.O.’s founding principles, strategic pillars, and upcoming initiatives—visit www.new-mo.com.
Media Contact: info@new-mo.com
