Name: Eva Reda
Title: Executive vice president, global co-brand partnerships and business development
Company, city: American Express; New York City, New York
Number of employees: 55,000
Recent project: The rebrand and refresh of the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card portfolio, formerly the SPG American Express Card portfolio
First job: I was a pharmacy technician.
Little-known fact about you: I love old homes and find restoration so much fun. I bought a home from the 1890s and restored it to what it was; I love all the detail and architecture notes.
Your Business
What innovations/initiatives do you foresee in the industry over the next years? In the travel and credit card space, it will be finding ways to leverage technology without losing the human touch. Our brand cares about our customers.
Best career advice you’ve received: Do what you love because it is what you will be best at.
What advice would you give someone starting out in the field? Prioritize taking the time to find what you love.
Eva Reda as a Traveler
Favorite travel memory or story: About 10 years ago I was in Costa Rica at a hotel situated at the base of the Arenal Volcano. At dusk I could see the active volcano from a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows in the hotel. With the glow and smoke pouring out of the volcano, it almost seemed fake, it was so spectacular. It was both relaxing and a reminder of the power of Mother Nature.
One travel tip you cannot live without: Take care of sleep. If I don’t get eight hours, things can go bananas. Plus, if you’re sleep-deprived, you cannot appreciate any of the tasks at hand, business or leisure.
Best advice for business travelers: Add on extra time if you can, especially when you’re in a beautiful place. Find an opportunity to leave the conference room. Catch a moment to enjoy where you are.
About American Express
As Marriott recently rebranded its loyalty program, American Express and Marriott rebranded the co-branded credit cards. Tell us about the new cards.
Earlier this year Marriott International, a longstanding partner of more than 50 years, worked with us to rebrand and refresh our co-branded card products; the Marriott Bonvoy American Express cards feature new names, benefits, designs and special offers.
The Starwood Preferred Guest American Express Luxury Card rebranded to Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card; this is our highest-level card and features a stainless-steel card design. One of its new benefits is up to $100 in property credits per stay at The Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis properties.
The Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express is rebranded as the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card, complete with an artist-commissioned card design.
Finally, the Starwood Preferred Guest Business Credit Card from American Express is now the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card, with a new benefit of receiving an additional free night award (redemption level at or under 35,000 points) when a card member spends $60,000 or more on the card annually.
What exclusive events and experiences can Marriott Bonvoy American Express card members look forward to?
We have events throughout the year that really touch on our card members’ passion points of food, music, art and sports. Some events are open to all card members while others are exclusive to Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card members. American Express and Marriott Bonvoy host a range of exclusive events annually; this year, for example, we had a presence at the Masters, hosting card members at golf’s most prestigious tournament. In December we’ll host card members at a premium Marriott hotel during Miami’s Art Basel, while in October there’s a card member experience at Marriott’s Ion Hotel in Iceland. Other events include BottleRock, Aspen Food & Wine and the U.S. Open.
Marriott and American Express enjoy a history of more than 50 years. What can our readers expect from the future of this relationship?
We’re excited to fully bring these rebranded cards to market and further communicate all the benefits. Now that The Ritz-Carlton program has been integrated into the Marriott Bonvoy program, whereas before it was its own program, we can bring more luxury events to card members. We will also continue to develop an exclusive event calendar for our card members each year.
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Jul 26, 2024Accor Unveils Its First Handwritten Collection Brand in the United States
San Francisco, a city renowned for its commercial hubs and cultural sites, will become the first destination in the United States for one of Accor's newest brands, Handwritten Collection. The city’s Hotel Stratford San Francisco, Handwritten Collection is a European-style boutique property located near Union Square on the famous Powell Street cable car line. The area will now have the Handwritten Collection name behind it. The property becomes Accor's third hotel in San Francisco, joining the Fairmont properties atop Nob Hill and at Ghirardelli Square.
Sponsored Content
Extend Your Stay In Trendy Madrid
With its rich artistic and natural heritage, its outstanding transport network, the quality of its accommodation, its excellent gastronomy, and the passion with which the people of Madrid enjoy both the day and the night, the capital of Spain is one of the most attractive cities in the world.
Global City Guidebook 2024
Jul 26, 2024Bask in Nature’s Tranquility at The Spa at Four Seasons Tamarindo
When the two of us entered The Spa at Four Seasons Tamarindo, past the backlit boutique items and local artisan-painted wood carvings, the place wrapped us in a feeling of tranquility. Its stone walls, earth tones, woven wall hangings and furniture made of natural materials reminded us we are part of nature’s spectrum, the abundant windows showing native plants and trees outside.
Daily
Jul 26, 20244 Boutique Hotels with Exclusive Wedding Buyout Offerings
Couples looking for an over-the-top wedding, consider one of these properties around the world, offering total property buyouts to say your “I do’s.”
Sponsored Content
Tips to Plan a Destination Event Worth the Trip
It's time to shake things up and inject some serious excitement into your next gathering. Whether planning a corporate conference, black-tie gala or milestone celebration, choosing the right venue can make all the difference. City Winery shares some tips to make your next gathering a rockin' success.
Airlines
Jul 26, 2024BermudAir Maximizes Choices for Travelers with New Options
BermudAir announced an expanded fare structure, allowing customers to choose from five fare types across economy and business class, up from the previous three options. Travelers can now select fares based on their preferences for lounge access, checked baggage, change fees, refunds and priority boarding.
Discover Hvar, Croatia’s, Best-Kept Secrets
Daily
Jul 25, 2024Daily
Jul 24, 2024SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites Introduces Custom Wine Itineraries
SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites offers guests personalized journeys to Mendoza’s finest wineries from Susana Balbo’s family. Immerse yourself in bespoke wine itineraries recommended by Balbo, Argentina’s first female winemaker; her son and third-generation winemaker, José Lovaglio Balbo; and her daughter, hotelier and wine tourism marketer, Ana Lovaglio Balbo.
Sponsored Content
Paradisus by Meliá Redefines the All-Inclusive Experience
Paradisus by Meliá, a leading luxury all-inclusive resort brand, is taking the hospitality world by storm with its latest developments. With a slew of exciting developments, including a fresh property in Punta Cana, an adults-only resort in Los Cabos, an enticing chef partnership, revamped suites and much more, the brand is setting new standards for all-inclusive excellence. Each property maintains the essence of all-inclusive luxury while immersing guests in the rich tapestry of its destination, offering bespoke experiences that celebrate local culture and heritage. Paradisus is on a mission to redefine the all-inclusive paradigm, moving beyond conventional expectations to deliver personalized, lavish experiences tailored to every guest.
eFlyer Reviews
Jul 24, 2024Althoff Grand Hotel Schloss Bensberg Review
After a long drive from our previous destination, it was a relief to see Althoff Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg in our view. When we pulled into the hotel court, I felt like we were pulling up to a royal palace. Considering the hotel was originally built as a castle for Prince Elector Johann Wilhelm II of Duesseldorf and his wife, Maria-Luisa of the Medici family, my thought wasn’t that far off.
ShareThis