Elena Lange
London,UK
Summary
Accomplished professional with expertise in strategy development and supplier relationship management. Demonstrates proficiency in contract negotiation, policy harmonisation, and compliance operational excellence. Skilled in stakeholder collaboration and global cross-functional team leadership, with a strong focus on vendor management and KPI optimisation. Adept at project management, data analytics, financial modelling, and reporting. Experienced in global travel programme management and budget oversight, ensuring effective communication and crisis management. Committed to driving organisational success through innovative solutions and strategic initiatives.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education
Work history
EMEA Travel Manager
KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co)
London, UK
02.2018 - Current
- Ensured all hotel and flight bookings complied with corporate sustainability and environmental policies across all regions.
- Negotiated airline and hotel contracts to secure preferential corporate rates, generating significant cost saving.
- Delivered measurable reductions in hotel and airfare costs through strategic vendor negotiations and volume-based agreements.
- Implemented and optimised an online booking tool, improving compliance, visibility, and efficiency of travel reservations.
- Developed strong partnerships with global hotel chains and airline providers to maximise value and service quality.
- Managed and resolved employee travel-related issues promptly, ensuring minimal disruption and high traveller satisfaction.
- Collaborated closely with finance teams to support accurate expense reporting, budget tracking, and cost-control initiatives.
- Advised travellers on visa requirements, travel documentation, and safety regulations relevant to the company's travel destinations.
- Managed employee complaints swiftly resolving any issues that arose.
- Crafted bespoke travel plans to meet individual preferences of senior executives.
Executive assistant
Royal Albert Hall
London, UK
01.2017 - 02.2018
- Enhanced cross-department communication by coordinating meetings, conferences, and appointments.
- Supported efficient office operations through effective management of correspondence, filing systems, and administrative procedures.
- Delivered exceptional customer service, contributing to high levels of client satisfaction.
- Streamlined administrative processes to improve efficiency and workflow across the office.
- Oversaw procurement activities, reducing operational delays and ensuring timely availability of resources.
- Accurately recorded and distributed meeting minutes, preserving key decisions and action items.
- Maintained accurate financial records through meticulous bookkeeping and data management.
- Liaised with internal departments to ensure a smooth and consistent flow of information.
- Coordinated all logistical aspects of corporate events, ensuring well-organised and successful outcomes.
Personal Assistant to COO
WBA (Walgreens Boots Alliance)
London, UK
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Provided high-level personal assistance to the COO, including support during overseas business travel.
- Delivered exceptional customer service, contributing to increased client satisfaction and retention.
- Maintained strict confidentiality of sensitive documents and information, ensuring compliance and trust.
- Streamlined administrative processes to improve overall office efficiency and workflow.
- Managed invoice processing and bookkeeping tasks with a high level of accuracy.
- Coordinated appointments, meetings, and conference calls across multiple time zones.
- Collaborated closely with the HR department to support recruitment activities and streamline the hiring process.
- Assisted with project management activities, contributing to the successful delivery of key projects.
- Supported onboarding by facilitating training sessions for new hires.
- Prepared and filed reports in a timely manner to keep executives informed of departmental progress.
- Maintained accurate and up-to-date databases, enabling efficient retrieval of information.
- Oversaw procurement processes, reducing operational delays and ensuring timely supply availability.
- Managed travel arrangements, including booking flights and accommodation for domestic and international trips.
Office Administrator
Italian Ministry of Defence
London, UK
02.2013 - 12.2015
- Handled correspondence, providing timely responses to all enquiries.
- Enhanced team efficiency for seamless workflow management.
- Managed daily scheduling to facilitate organised operations.
- Provided administrative support during high-pressure periods, aiding overall productivity.
- Maintained confidentiality whilst dealing with sensitive information pertaining to high-ranking officials' visits.
- Handled sensitive information discreetly, adhering strictly to confidentiality protocols at all times.
- Ensured smooth functioning of the office with regular equipment checks.
- Oversaw invoicing and billing tasks, maintaining financial transparency in the office.
- Completed data entry tasks accurately, ensuring error-free records were maintained.
- Ensured compliance with company procurement policies and procedures during all transactions.
- Contributed to risk management efforts in supply chain through diligent vendor assessment.
- Enhanced archival efficiency by implementing a digital filing system.
- Attended high-profile meetings as a representative of the organisation, promoting its image positively.
- Prepared itineraries for visiting dignitaries, facilitating efficient time management.
Senior Travel Consultant & Office Manager
AIFS ( American Institute for Foreign Study)
London, UK
06.2006 - 02.2013
- Facilitated smooth overseas trips for clients by arranging visas and other essential documentation.
- Organised special requests such as dietary requirements or wheelchair assistance for travellers.
- Kept abreast of latest foreign exchange rates to provide accurate financial advice to clients.
- Streamlined internal processes by implementing new reservation software system.
- Dealt efficiently with emergency situations that arose during clients' travels.
- Monitored market trends to stay ahead of the competition in the travel industry.
- Regularly updated knowledge of airline regulations, enhancing effectiveness as a consultant.
- Maintained strong relationships with key industry contacts, gaining preferential rates.
- Resolved complaints promptly, maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction.
- Trained junior staff members in company procedures and service standards for improved performance.
- Managed complex logistics for high-end clientele, ensuring seamless travel experiences.
- Researched accommodation options to provide choices for varying tastes and budgets.
- Performed regular audits on company expenditures, identifying potential cost-saving opportunities.
- Administered payroll system efficiently, avoiding errors or delays in payment cycle.
- Organised filing systems and maintained records and documentation in alignment with company policies and data security protocols.
Group operations manager
Hotel Provider (Boscolo Tour)
London, UK
02.2002 - 06.2006
- Oversaw daily operational activities, ensuring timely completion of tasks.
- Collaborated on new product launches leading successful entry into the market.
- Built strong relationships with external partners supporting business expansion efforts.
- Led process improvements, ensuring top-quality output.
- Negotiated cost-effective deals, ensuring budget adherence whilst maintaining quality standards.
- Managed complex schedules for efficient use of venue space.
- Sourced products and destinations to meet customer demand for tailor-made travel and sustainable tourism.
- Negotiated contracts effectively, ensuring both parties were satisfied with agreements made.
- Coordinated transportation arrangements for guests leading to stress-free travel experiences.
- Managed travel logistics and itineraries for domestic and international business trips [Timeframe].
Leisure and Incentive Consultant
Italturist di Rarum
Milan , Italy
05.1999 - 12.2001
- Provided expert advice on organisational change, resulting in streamlined operations.
- Initiated cost-saving measures by evaluating and improving operational processes.
- Delivered customised training programmes to improve workforce skills and knowledge.
- Developed comprehensive business strategies to deliver client objectives.
- Enhanced client understanding of market trends, leading to informed decision making.
- Ensured high customer satisfaction through effectively managing all aspects of the tour.
- Managed complex travel arrangements for diverse client groups, ensuring seamless experiences.
- Handled all necessary paperwork related to visas or entry requirements-reducing hassle for clients.
- Coordinated with travel agencies to facilitate smooth holiday bookings for customers.
- Facilitated smooth holiday experiences by managing all aspects of travel bookings.
Education
BA Hons - Modern Languages with Business
University of Nottingham
Nottingham 09.2004 - 07.2008
Higher National Diploma - Travel and Tourism with Events Management
Italian Chamber of Commerce & EEC Institute
Varese (Italy) 10.1998 - 06.1999
European Baccalaureate - International Travel and Tourism Management
IPSSCT P. Verri
Busto Arsizio (Varese/Italy) 09.1993 - 07.1998
Skills
- Strategy Development
- Supplier Relationship Management
- Contract Negotiation & Governance
- Policy Harmonization & Compliance Operational Excellence Stakeholder/Leadership Collaboration
- Global Cross Functional Team Leadership
- Vendor Management & KPI Optimization
- Project Management
- Data Analytics, Financial Modelling & Reporting
- Global Travel Program Management
- Budget and P&L oversight
- Communication & Crisis Management
Timeline
EMEA Travel Manager
KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co)
02.2018 - Current
Executive assistant
Royal Albert Hall
01.2017 - 02.2018
Personal Assistant to COO
WBA (Walgreens Boots Alliance)
01.2016 - 01.2017
Office Administrator
Italian Ministry of Defence
02.2013 - 12.2015
Senior Travel Consultant & Office Manager
AIFS ( American Institute for Foreign Study)
06.2006 - 02.2013
BA Hons - Modern Languages with Business
University of Nottingham
09.2004 - 07.2008
Group operations manager
Hotel Provider (Boscolo Tour)
02.2002 - 06.2006
Leisure and Incentive Consultant
Italturist di Rarum
05.1999 - 12.2001
Higher National Diploma - Travel and Tourism with Events Management
Italian Chamber of Commerce & EEC Institute
10.1998 - 06.1999
European Baccalaureate - International Travel and Tourism Management
IPSSCT P. Verri
09.1993 - 07.1998