She brings over 25 years of global experience and expertise in general management, marketing, business development, and partner network management to the new role.

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) appointed of Liz Ortiguera as Chief Executive Officer effective May 17, 2021, succeeding Dr. Mario Hardy who will finish his term at the end of May.

Soon-Hwa Wong, Vice Chairman, PATA stated, “We are delighted to welcome Liz to the PATA family, especially as she will be the first Asian American female CEO in PATA’s 70 year history. Her extensive leadership experience across different industries in the Asia Pacific region is what PATA needs to lead the Association to new heights. The Executive Board looks forward to working closely with her as we rebuild a more resilient, responsible, sustainable and stronger travel and tourism industry."

Commenting on her appointment Ortiguera said, “I am honoured to be selected as the next PATA CEO. I am confident that PATA, with its diverse member base of industry leaders, will continue to help catalyse our industry's recovery and growth. From crisis comes innovation and from community comes strength. PATA is even more critical as a business community today to support new partnerships, innovation, and the adoption of sustainable business practices.”

Ortiguera is a senior executive with over 25 years of global experience and expertise in general management, marketing, business development, and partner network management. She is passionate about innovation, business transformation, and community building. Her career spans several industries - travel/lifestyle, technology, financial services, and pharmaceuticals. She has experience in working at both multinational corporations including American Express and Merck and start-up environments in software as a service (SaaS), e-commerce, and ed-tech.

For 10 years she was the General Manager for Amex's Travel Partner Network in Asia-Pacific, managing partnerships with top travel management companies, MICE, and leisure agencies in the region. She is able to adeptly work across cultures and business environments to catalyse opportunities and drive growth.

In her personal life, she has been an advocate for poverty eradication programmes and education initiatives across the region. She is an alumna of the Stanford University Graduate Business School, Columbia University Business School, New York University, and The Cooper Union in New York.