American Express Travel is making a major change at the top of its Representative Network of travel agency franchisees.

In an email to members of the Representative Network, Claire Bennett, executive vice president and general manager for American Express Travel and Lifestyle Services, said Yana Gutierrez, currently vice president of strategic partnerships at American Express Travel, will now have direct responsibility over the Representative Network as well.

Meanwhile, Tony Gonchar (pictured above center), who has led the Representative Network as vice president, will now focus on linking that network with other business units within American Express, also as vice president-American Express Travel. Both Gutierrez and Gonchar will report to Bennett. Gonchar had previously reported to Gutierrez.

The executive change had been rumored at the American Express Representative Network Learning Forum and National Forum in November in Nashville, but nothing was announced at that time.

Instead, American Express vowed that it would continue to maintain a strong presence in travel despite having sold off Travel Impressions, closed its 20 owned travel offices and forming a joint venture to oversee its business travel unit.

“By directly connecting the Representative Network to Yana and the Strategic Partnerships team, we can better fulfill our promise to you in providing the most differentiated programs and benefits available,” Bennett wrote in the email to Representative Network members.

“This will deepen the options you have to offer, distinguish us from our competition and promote customer loyalty,” Bennett continued. “Tony will be an advocate for the Representative Network and help identify business opportunities that will support the Network.”