laura freeland

Partnered with Sales on critical pricing opportunities across the $9B of Dean revenues. Developed processes around Revenue Management that focus on elasticity of demand and the use of trade dollars as a means to drive volume. Led certain Dean wide finance initiatives regarding financial analysis, team development, reporting, and continuous improvement.

Determined pricing strategy maximizing revenues and passengers. Increased the profitability of the France product by fourteen (14%) percent and reduced ground-handling expenses by fifteen (15%) percent. Negotiated rates for the European product, including hotel, sightseeing and airport transfer rates. Established and managed marketing promotions with hotel partners to increase business.

Evaluated alliance opportunities with other airlines and assisted in the ongoing management of existing code-sharing relationships. Provided financial analysis for the negotiation of revenue settlements with other airlines. Analyzed the performance of current code-sharing agreements and regularly reported findings to senior management.

Prepared accounting manual standardizing procedures in European Accounting Offices. Created and implemented budgeting procedures and productivity measures for European Cargo Services facilities. Produced monthly profit and loss statements. Analyzed and explained significant variances to senior management.

Provided leadership for the development and execution of AA Cargo’s worldwide pricing, revenue management, capacity management, demand forecasting, rating and tariff administration activities. Was responsible for directing capacity allocation and pricing strategies, ensuring an optimal revenue mix on annual cargo revenues approaching $1B. Directed the development of industry-leading processes and automation of a new booking and revenue management system.

Established annual operating plan and budget for $1.8B onboard service operation. Identified and managed contractual and logistical issues associated with the 20,000 Flight Attendant work force, including Latin American operations. Provided analytical and strategic planning support to the Onboard Service Vice President. Forecasted flight attendant manning needs and ensured optimal flight attendant utilization. Reviewed and certified 10-Q and 10-K filings as they related to Onboard Service.

Managed commissions for the top 1,000 domestic agencies worth $200,000,000 annually. Created and implemented strategies and procedures to enhance commission processing. Monitored key travel agencies’ performance to evaluate program effectiveness.

Responsible for managing the revenue and revenue integrity functions for Qatar Airways Cargo. Oversee pricing activities and revenue performance of both passenger and freighter operations. Develop effective processes and implement revenue management systems to accurately forecast demand and maximize revenue.

P&L ownership for Merchandising solution area. Responsible for establishing long-term vision and growth strategy for Merchandising solutions. Definition, prioritization and execution of the product roadmap and driving go-to-market plan. Responsible for establishing the long-term vision and growth strategy for the solutions, including New Distribution Capability (NDC). Identified and established strategic partnerships to expand the solution footprint. Monitored new technology trends and identified areas of innovation relative to distinct competencies and market /business needs.

Reported to the CFO, Transplace. Responsible for financial planning and analysis. Developed strategic analyses to assist the executive team with strategic decision-making. Developed and maintained appropriate budgeting tools and systems to facilitate analysis and forecasting processes. Also responsible for due diligence analysis, integration of acquisitions and maintaining and improving banking relationships.