vitesse-background
VITESSE WORLDWIDE

ELITE TEAM EQUALS ELITE SERVICE

Vitesse offers a highly dedicated professional team that meets and exceeds client expectation using a 360 approach for your travel experience. As the company of choice for luxury travelers, CEOs and senior executives of Fortune 500 companies and entertainment communities, Vitesse provides comprehensive service to over 1000 cities in 101 countries.

We would like to express our gratitude for your patronage and standing by Vitesse Worldwide during these unprecedented times. Recognizing the need to pivot, we now offer an even wider range of services that safely give you flexibility and control for all your upcoming travel needs.

OUR MISSION 

  • Highest standard of customer care.
  • Consistent and reliable service which exceeds clients’ expectations.
  • Maintain competitive high-performance standards.
  • Build relationships with clients based on integrity, honesty, courtesy and trust.
  • Hassle-free business travel.

MEET THE TEAM

Team

SHAWN ABASPOR

President & CEO

Team

CSILLA STEKLER

Chief Financial Officer

Team

DANA GRIFFIN

Chief Operational Officer

Bios_ROY

ROY BARNES

SVP Business Development

Bios_ROY

JEFF CONLY

SVP Operations

team member - Mary

MARY THOMPSON

EVP Global Sales

Bios_ROY

KAMRAN KHALAJ

SVP Operations

Bios_ROY

LAURIE ALFONSO

VP Client Relations

BARBARA ELLENBERGER

VP Global Sales

Bios_ROY

AIDA SOTO

Manager Client Services

Bios_ROY

TY CRANDALL

Business Development Manager

Bios_ROY

SERGIO HAZ

Fleet Manager

Bios_ROY

ANDI GRAY

Advisory Board Member

awards
Awards

Pictured, left to right: Libby Rice, Co-President – Ensemble Travel Group; Shawn Abasport, CEO – Vitesse Worldwide; Mary Thompson, SVP Global Sales – Vitesse Worldwide; Lindsay Pearlman, Co-President – Ensemble Travel Group

AWARDS

BUSINESS TRAVEL SERVICE AWARD
2020

Mary Thompson, Executive VP-Vitesse Worldwide, was honored to receive the prestigious 2020 Business Travel Service Award. The Global Business Travel Association, Chapter Presidents’ Council selects members that have distinguished themselves as industry leaders who have devoted themselves to their company, their association (both local, national and/or global), and their fellow business associates and have contributed to the business travel industry.

CIRCLE OF EXCELLENCE GALA

Ensemble Honors Top Members,Suppliers

VITESSE WORLDWIDE WINS ENSEMBLE ANNUAL SUPPLIER AWARD 

BEST IN PRIVATE AIR & GROUND  TRANSPORTATION
2017
2016

Established in 1968, Ensemble Travel® Group is a proactive, member-owned organization of approximately 850 top-tier, independent travel agencies in the U.S. and Canada, with a newly expanded presence in Australia/New Zealand.

TESTIMONIALS

 

“Everything was absolutely PERFECT last week!! Peter and Bill were amazing to work with, super friendly and kind and accommodating of our group that tended to run a little late. They were very professional and it was a joy to work with both of them!!”
– Kendal Guidry, Sr. Executive Assistant Phil Cox, COO, Aksana Piasetskaya

“Thank you so much for everything you and Vitesse Worldwide are doing for the Colorado Rockies this Spring Training!”
– Paul, Sr Director Major League Operations Rockies Baseball

“Just wanted you to know that I used Vitesse for the transport of the crew to/from JFK for the Europe trip and have never worked with a better bunch of people.  Very professional and detailed.”                                        – Kathy, Head of Travel Agency for Entertainment Company

“My experience with Vitesse Worldwide Aircraft Charter exceeded my expectation. Shawn provided all necessary information and guided me throughout the entire process. Shawn and his team went above and beyond to help my clients and me resolve any issues we encounter due to unexpected weather conditions. They were always available via phone and email, including weekends, after hours, and during holidays . . .  I know I have a partner with my interest and my client’s best interest and can count on it in the future.”
– Ivonka, President of Chicago Based Travel Agency

“I have used this vendor exclusively for 16 years across many of our clients and each one is more successful than the other.”
Kelly, International Travel Management Company

“The customer service from start to end is beyond amazing.”
Robert, President of Arizona Based Travel Agency

“I have been with Vitesse a very long time, [and] they are following through with all the needs of our company. I will not consider using another car service company. I need dependable, professional service, and we get that with Vitesse.”
Susan, Office Manager Connecticut Based Venture Capital Firm

“The responsiveness to all the last-minute changes, travel delays and cancellations has been exceptional.”
Sandi, Executive at Minnesota based Meetings & Event Planning Company.

“Smooth as silk from planning to execution and everything in between, including last minute changes, etc.”
Lorraine, MLB (Major League Baseball)

“I really liked the aircraft and crew. On our next trip we would prefer the same if available as they were truly exceptional. Once again thank you very much for such an extraordinary experience.”
– New Client in Toronto, Canada

“Vitesse Worldwide’s team provided all of the details upfront and planned everything to the “T” so that my client would be covered from point A to B and back again, with ease. Now I have a repeat private jet client. Thank you, Vitesse!”
– Scott, Ensemble Travel Advisor 

 

DOWNLOAD OUR SIGNATURE SERVICE GUIDE

Vitesse Worldwide logo

About You

Please provide your information and we will send you a copy of our signature service guide!

SHAWN ABASPOR

Team

President & CEO

A veteran entrepreneur of various successful Travel and transportation business ventures, to mention a few, Shawn’s portfolio includes:

  • Founder Vitesse Worldwide Aircraft Charter, providing private aircraft charter in 97 countries worldwide
  • Founder of Vitesse Worldwide Chauffeured Ground Transportation, providing service in 101 countries worldwide
  • Founder of Vitesse Worldwide Concierge, providing white Glove services for major global events
  • Founder of Vitesse Worldwide Executive Protection, providing worldwide executive security
  • Founder of Royal Falcon Aircraft Charter, providing private jet service around the world
  • Founder of U.S.L Worldwide, providing ground transportation globally
  • Founder of Enterprise Strategy Group Advisory Board in the U.S
  • Served on the MasterCard Travel Advisory Board
  • Member of the Luxury Council Advisory Board
  • Served as a member of the Sound Waters Board of Directors
  • Provided consulting services to CANVAS FRG
  • An active member of The Luxury Marketing Council, Virtuoso, Ensemble, GBTA, NBAA, and ARG/US
  • An experienced FAA certified commercial pilot and member of Airport Owners & Pilot Association (AOPA) since 1986
  • Volunteer Pilot for Civil Air Patrol, an auxiliary division of the U.S. Air Force
  • Volunteer Angel Flight pilot, a charitable organization run by pilots and their aircraft which arranges free air transportation to destinations where sick children and adults can receive medical treatment or transporting organs. s Sound is at the c of ewe
  • Shawn’s passion since childhood has been aviation, and after delivering exclusive services to elite business travelers for over 33 years, his vision for Vitesse Worldwide is to deliver a fresh and innovative approach to the world of corporate, luxury, and event travel.

 

An Overview of Vitesse Worldwide

Vitesse Worldwide is recognized as the next generation of Luxury and Executive, Private Aircraft Charter, Chauffeured Ground Transportation, Global Concierge, and Executive Protection company where global travel meets signature services.

Being the company of choice for CEOs, Senior Executives of Fortune 1000 companies, Elite Travels in both the Luxury and Corporate markets, Diplomats, and the Entertainment Communities, Vitesse provides services in over 1000 cities in 101 countries. 

CSILLA STEKLER

Team

Chief Financial Officer

Csilla Stekler has served as Vitesse Worldwide’ s Chief Financial Officer for nearly ten years. In this capacity, she manages the financial strategy and operations of the company – including management of the Accounting Department, budgeting procedures ,and all financial reporting. Csilla also oversees all contract negotiations and vendor relationships for Vitesse Worldwide.

Prior to joining Vitesse Worldwide, Csilla worked as tax accountant. She has extensive knowledge in financial planning and analysis and market trends. Csilla holds a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited international university, as well as her MBA from the University of Bridgeport. In 2015, she was nominated as CFO of the Year in Fairfield County.

DANA GRIFFIN

COO

Dana is our COO and comes to Vitesse with 40 years’ experience in the travel management arena. Her distinctive background as a highly motivated executive with vast experience in leadership, operations and strategic planning adds value to our clientele and our company.

Within her role at Vitesse Worldwide, she has been tasked with continuous evaluation and upgrades to all process and procedures by division to include call center, sales, dispatch, staff development and most importantly assurance that high level customer service is provided to our valued client base.

She will orchestrate, implement and execute all aspects of operational effectiveness.

Over her career span, she has worked as a key executive management contributor for Carlson Wagonlit, HRG North America, Valerie Wilson Travel and MasterCard. Dana has also been a member of Advisory Boards for MasterCard Travel Services, Luxury Hotel Collections and Marriott Hotels.

Within her role at Vitesse Worldwide, Dana envisions taking Vitesse to the next level of corporate travel excellence.

ROY BARNES

Bios_ROY

SVP Business Development

Roy is our VP of Business Development and a seasoned travel industry professional with four decades of commercial aviation experience.

Former senior executive with British Airways, he successfully managed the airline’s business operations in major strategic and global markets within Europe, the USA, the Middle East, Latin America, and the launch of a new pan-regional Caribbean airline in Barbados.

As our former COO, Roy’s vast experience and knowledge of all Vitesse service offerings will allow us to maximize his skillsets consistently to improve upon our customer-focused organization and be accomplished in the corporate travel industry.

JEFF CONLY

Bios_ROY

SVP Operations

Jeff Conly is a veteran of the Chauffeured Ground Transportation industry with over 35 years of experience managing various companies. His successes include:

Managing ExecuCar Arizona which under his leadership has developed into the flagship ExecuCar operation featuring the state of Arizona’s largest fleet with more than 140 sedans. This number represents the 7th largest fleet nationally.

Solid operational experience in the areas of finance, human resources, customer service, and sales strategies, and an extensive understanding of city government/airport regulations as they relate to transportation.

Working close with high-profile clients during MLB, NFL, NHL and NBA games. Nationally Jeff has coordinated transportation during four recent Super Bowls.

Jeff has handled transportation for large music concerts in Arizona.

He is currently overseeing the expansion in the Sedona and Flagstaff market.

Jeff is currently the President of the Arizona Limousine Association.

Jeff is renowned as a leader in strategic planning for building successful transportation businesses.

MARY THOMPSON

team member - Mary

EVP Global Sales

Mary Thompson has over 20 years’ experience in the hospitality industry. Her experience includes a wide spectrum of positions including: Owner of Pittsburgh Limousine, Director of Customer Service Worldwide for Carey International, Director of Sales for Music Express, Sr. Sales Manager for CLS Transportation in San Francisco and Executive Vice President for Vitesse Worldwide.

Mary was a member of the World Cup Transportation Committee in Los Angeles, assisted in the coordination of ground transportation for numerous Super Bowls, NBA All Star Games, Gold Cup, College Football National Championship Games, NCAA Final Four in addition to the Emmy Awards and the Academy Awards. Her experience with corporate meetings and events includes high-level board meetings, multiple city events, and large groups. She spent several years as a meeting planner for a non-profit foundation responsible for all aspects for medical educational programs and events.

Since 2011, her vision for Vitesse Worldwide has been to expand on an established and proven brand and develop new business for the various services they offer while adhering to the highest level of customer care and the unvarying delivery of premium services.

Mary currently serves as President of the Arizona Chapter of the Global Business Travel Association, President of the Arizona Chapter of Canine Companions for Independence and former Board Member of the National Limousine Association. She was awarded the prestigious 2020 Business Travel Service Award from the Global Business Travel Association.

KAMRAN KHALAJ

Bios_ROY

SVP Operations

Kamran Khalaj has more than 18 years’ experience in the transportation industry specializing in managing daily operations in the Tri-State area. Karman has been steadily growing within the company since he joined Vitesse Worldwide in April 2016, bringing with him experience from the ground-transportation field. In addition to his ongoing responsibilities for overseeing operations, others include dispatch, scheduling, chauffeur hiring and management, accounting procedures and vendor interface.

LAURIE ALFONSO

Bios_ROY

VP Client Relations

Laurie joined Vitesse Worldwide in 2011 and manages all global affiliate relationships for Vitesse Worldwide. In this capacity, her primary responsibilities include establishing new affiliates in emerging markets, while managing and maintaining all affiliate relationships in 1,000 cities worldwide. She ensures that all affiliates uphold the highest level of service and standards to which Vitesse Worldwide expects from its partners. 

Laurie has over 15 years of experience in the in the Customer Service/Hospitality Industry. She has held management positions with both Marriott and Westin, directly servicing the fast-paced needs of the business traveler. Laurie holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Bridgeport and is a member of the National Association of Professional Woman.

BARBARA ELLENBERGER

VP Global Sales

Barbara Ellenberger provides a seamless “white glove” experience to her clients. She has spent 25+ years in the travel industry working with executives from Fortune 500 companies making sure their needs were flawlessly met by ensuring 100% satisfaction. 

Barbara has won numerous awards for her work, both inside and outside the company, such as Woman of the Year for the State of New York. Barbara has coordinated events, both domestic and international. 

She is excited to take her experience to Vitesse Worldwide and work with their clientele bringing the same customer service she has spent her lifetime achieving.

AIDA SOTO

Bios_ROY

Manager Client Services

Aida joined Vitesse in 2014 as Client Services Supervisor with a key responsibility to remodel our training and development module for our Reservations and Dispatch staff, in addition to creating manuals and upgraded training programs. Aida has over 20 years’ experience in the ground transportation industry working with companies such as Carey International, Manhattan Limousine and Avalon Transportation. Aida’s brings her vast skillsets to Vitesse as a leader specializing in Call Center Management, Event Management, VIP Account Management, Recruitment, Training and Development and Software transition.

Aida has recently been promoted to Manager of Client Services as she has excelled and contributed to the organization, growth and development of our company.

In her role as Manager of Client Services, Aida will continue to focus on training and development, high level account management and working with the Client Services and Operations team to exceed performance standards.

TY CRANDALL

Bios_ROY

Business Development Manager​

Ty joined Vitesse Worldwide in 2018 as Business Development Manager in our Phoenix Office.

Ty brings to this role his extensive experience in the hospitality sales and operations. He has previously held positions at some of the most prestigious properties in the world, including: The Sanctuary Resort on Camelback Mountain as well as the Westin La Paloma and Tarbell’s Restaurant. Some of his previous concentrations have included Operations Management, Client Outreach, Catering Sales, and Business Travel/Leisure Travel Sales.

Ty graduated from Arizona State University in 2008 with a BA in communications with a concentration in interpersonal communications.

SERGIO HAZ

Bios_ROY

Fleet Manager

Sergio Haz has 17 years of experience in the limousine industry as a chauffeur, three of which were with Vitesse, and over 20 years in the military, security and in law enforcement. In 1994 Sergio joined the United States Marines Corp. straight from school and after eight years of service, much of it spent in the Middle East, he became a police officer with the Port Chester Police Department.

Over the next seventeen years he rose to the position of Assistant Deputy Director of Auxiliary Police with responsibility for the performance of the entire auxiliary police unit and the operation of their officers and vehicles. After moving to upstate CT in 2015, Sergio was appointed Security Supervisor at Saint Francis Hospital in Hartford.

However, the lure and excitement of Vitesse was too strong and we were pleased to have him rejoin the company early in 2018 as our Fleet Manager

ANDI GRAY

Bios_ROY

Advisory Board Member

Andi is a business consultant and President of Strategy Leaders, Inc., a business-consulting firm she launched in 1995. Her clients are owners of successful, established, privately held businesses, determined to get to the next level of growth, profit, stability and predictability.

Her corporate experience includes 20+ years in business development and strategic planning.

Andi has won numerous awards for her excellent entrepreneurship and innovation:

She earned the Westchester County Association’s exclusive APEX Award for Entrepreneurship in 2009.

In 2010 the Westchester Business Journal named Andi as one of the Top 100 People to Watch.

Junior Achievement named her the Over-Achiever of the Year, and she earned her second APEX award for Volunteerism related to work on the WCA Call to Action Committee.

In 2011 she received her third APEX award when a Strategy Leaders client was recognized for their entrepreneurial successes.

She previously worked for Xerox, American Express, and Contel.

She earned her MBA from Columbia University in their executive program where she conducted 2 years’ research on the success drivers for entrepreneurial businesses.

She also wrote a column, Ask Andi, which was published in Westchester County & Fairfield County Business Journals and HV Biz, a source of practical information for business owners today. Andi developed and hosted a Cable Show series, Ask Andi Live from 2008-2010.

She was elected to the board of the Westchester County Association in 2010, is a member of the Westchester YMCA board and sits on the YMCA’s Finance Committee.

Andi is also chair of the Business Owners Committee of the Columbia Business School Alumni Club of New York, through which she’s launched a continuing education series focused on the needs of business owners.