Don Birch, 54, is a veteran of computerised reservations systems (CRS) for the travel and tourism industry in Asia-Pacific and Europe. 

As Abacus President & Chief Executive Officer, he leads a team of over 400 employees and directs the activities of 20 joint ventures and partnerships around Asia Pacific including Japan.  Together with these business partners, Abacus is the principal travel agent GDS in Asia Pacific. 

As a visionary leader, Mr Birch sees a world of opportunities beyond the traditional GDS travel business.  His vision for Abacus - To be the Number One facilitator for the travel and leisure industry – is inspiring the company to be instrumental in leading industry transformation in Asia Pacific.

Mr Birch began his career with the Swire Group and Cathay Pacific in 1972 after graduation from Trinity College, Cambridge. In a career spanning 25 years at Swire, Mr Birch rose through various key technical, sales, marketing and senior management positions in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan and Taiwan.