• Bruno des Fontaines takes over full responsibility for Amadeus Property Management System (PMS) business unit
  • Richard Kürzl, Managing Director, Amadeus Hospitality Germany, officially left the company on Friday 15 May but will continue in a consultancy role to ensure the smooth handover of the company he started as Hogatex in 1980.

Amadeus, a global leader in technology and distribution solutions for the travel and tourism industry, has appointed Bruno des Fontaines to lead its specialist Property Management Systems practice. Bruno replaces Richard Kürzl whose tenure ended officially on Friday 15 May but he will remain with the company in a consultancy role to ensure the smooth handover of the company he started in 1980 – then called Hogatex.

In addition to his new role leading Amadeus’ Hotel Property Management System unit, Bruno des Fontaines will continue as Managing Director for Amadeus Hospitality France. Bruno brings to this role a successful track record gained during 25 years working in various international management positions in the hotel IT arena and has been part of the Amadeus Hospitality Management for the past 5 years since the acquisition of Optims in 2004.

“I have built up a lot of respect for Richard Kürzl during the five years we have worked together but I understand that he now feels it is time to move on and I respect that decision”, said Ian Wheeler, Vice President Marketing, Amadeus, “And I am delighted that Bruno is taking over, who has demonstrated throughout his clear commitment to delivering top-rate service for our customers whether they are in Germany, France, Africa or Asia-Pacific.”

Wolfgang Emperger will remain the contact for all international PMS sales, serving as Director International Sales for the PMS division. Stefan Bezold will continue as Director National Sales for PMS in Germany and Austria.

After leaving Amadeus, Richard Kürzl will embark on several private projects outside the hospitality IT industry.

Amadeus is the chosen technology partner for providers, sellers, and buyers of travel. The company provides distribution, IT and point-of-sale solutions to help its customers adapt, grow and succeed in the fast changing travel industry. Customer groups include travel providers (airlines, hotels, car rental companies, railway companies, ferry lines, cruise lines, insurance companies and tour operators), travel sellers (travel agencies) and travel buyers (corporations and travellers). Solutions are grouped in four solution categories – Distribution & Content, Sales & e-Commerce, Business Management and Services & Consulting.

Amadeus has central sites in Madrid (corporate headquarters & marketing), Nice (development) and Erding (Operations – data processing centre) and regional offices in Miami, Buenos Aires and Bangkok. At market level, Amadeus maintains customer operations through 69 local Amadeus Commercial Organisations covering 217 markets.

The company is majority owned by WAM Acquisition, whose shareholders are BC Partners, Cinven, Air France, Iberia and Lufthansa. Amadeus employs over 8,500 employees worldwide, representing 105 nationalities.

More information about Amadeus is available at:

Amadeus Media Relations
Corporate & Marketing Communication
+34 91 582 0160