Stephen Gheerow is a global travel strategy executive with more than 25 years of experience transforming complex travel programs into high-performing, data-driven enterprise functions. As Senior Manager of Global Travel at the Gates Foundation, he leads global Travel Category Management and Vendor Management, overseeing a multimarket travel ecosystem that supports one of the world’s most mission-driven organizations. Stephen is responsible for enterprise travel strategies, supplier governance, commercial negotiations, risk mitigation, and technology modernization. He drives disciplined contracting, optimizes total cost of ownership, strengthens supplier accountability, and advances integrated travel technologies to enhance visibility, compliance, and traveler experience. His leadership aligns travel operations with organizational priorities, ensuring fiscal stewardship, operational resilience, and scalable global infrastructure. A recognized industry thought leader, Stephen has held multiple leadership roles within the New York City chapter of the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA). He was named GBTA Direct Member of the Year (2018), served as a Mentor in the Ladders Program (2019), and was selected as an inaugural inductee into the GBTA Masters Honors Program—distinctions reflecting both strategic impact and industry influence. Stephen is also a co-founder and past President of FORE, a nonprofit organization dedicated to elevating managed travel programs through best practices, consolidated spend strategies, and cross-industry collaboration. In addition, he serves on multiple Customer Advisory Boards, advising global suppliers on innovation, governance, and enterprise alignment. Throughout his career, Stephen has consistently positioned travel as a strategic lever—driving value creation, strengthening partnerships, and modernizing global programs to meet the evolving demands of today’s organizations.