Company celebrates four standouts shaping the next era of business travel and client service
DENVER, Nov. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Direct Travel, Inc., one of the world's largest travel management companies, today celebrated four of its corporate leaders named to the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Foundation's prestigious 2026 WINiT Top 50 list. The industry award program honors standout professionals who are reshaping corporate travel through bold ideas, transformative leadership, and active advocacy.
The 2026 Direct Travel award recipients include:
- Christine Sikes, Chief Operating Officer, Direct Travel — named to the FollowHer: Legends in the Industry category for setting high standards in global client engagement and championing women's advancement across the business. She was previously honored in 2025.
- Sarah Kuberry Martino, Chief Product Officer, Direct Travel — honored in the Women Innovating the Way We Travel category for directing the strategic roadmap of Direct Travel's technology suite and crafting user-centric travel tools. She was previously honored in 2025.
- Robin Handley, Senior Vice President, Sales Enablement, Direct Travel — selected in the FollowHer: Legends in the Industry category in recognition of her sustained contributions, mentorship, and enduring influence within the travel sector.
- Toni Lo Sasso, Senior Director, User Experience, Direct Travel — recognized in the Women Innovating the Way We Travel category for bringing inventive problem-solving and fresh perspectives to modern corporate travel challenges.
"Having four of our talented leaders recognized on the GBTA WINiT Top 50 is a proud moment for our entire organization," said Christal Bemont, CEO of Direct Travel. "Toni, Sarah, Robin, and Christine consistently push boundaries, inspire their peers, and deliver meaningful value for our customers. Their achievements highlight the depth of talent within our company and reinforce our commitment to building an inclusive, forward-thinking business."
Entering its 12th year, the GBTA WINiT initiative shines a spotlight on leaders who actively expand career pathways, champion equity, and mentor rising talent across corporate travel. Direct Travel's strong representation on the 2026 roster reflects the organization's ongoing effort to cultivate executive diversity at every tier.
The honors cap off a transformative period of growth for Direct Travel. Following its integration of ATPI and ongoing enhancement of Avenir, the company's unified global travel management platform, Direct Travel remains focused on delivering high-tech solutions paired with high-touch personal service.
About Direct Travel, Inc.
Direct Travel is one of the world's largest travel management companies, focused on delivering exceptional, innovative solutions to every client and traveler. With a long history of proven market expertise, we blend advanced technology, superior service and expert insight to drive tangible value and meaningful savings across Corporate Travel, Leisure Travel, Meetings & Events and specialty travel businesses.
Through Avenir, our next-generation platform developed with leading technology partners, we provide the industry's broadest inventory and a modern, real-time shopping experience that empowers travelers and simplifies program management. What truly sets us apart is the human care behind the technology, delivered by an experienced, passionate team dedicated to anticipating needs and delivering exceptional service at every step.
For more information about Direct Travel, visit www.dt.com
Media Contact
FINN Partners, Direct Travel, 1 3039810471, [email protected], https://www.dt.com/
SOURCE Direct Travel
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