Appointment Signals Proske’s Continued Growth and Expanding Leadership in the North American Market

New York, NY — May, 2026 — Proske Inc., the U.S. entity of the internationally operating meetings and events agency Proske, announced the appointment of Doug Payne, CCTE, GLP, GTP, to its Board of Directors. The appointment marks another significant step in Proske’s strategic growth in the United States and reflects the company’s commitment to building a leadership team of the highest standards. 

„Joining the Proske Inc. board is a privilege and something I’m genuinely excited about. Proske has built a compelling model, combining innovation and an unwavering focus on client value. I look forward to contributing my experience and network to support the team as they continue to grow their presence in the United States and globally.“ — Doug Payne, CCTE, GLP, GTP, Board Member, Proske Inc.

Payne brings more than 40 years of experience across the airline, technology, and travel management sectors. His career spans leadership roles at well-known airlines and meetings and events organizations — organizations where he built a reputation for operational excellence, deep industry relationships, and a steadfast commitment to advancing the business travel profession.

For more than three decades, Payne has been one of the most influential voices within the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA). He served as President of the Ohio Valley Business Travel Association (OVBTA) and completed multiple terms on the GBTA Board of Directors as an Allied Member at Large, holding leadership roles as Co-Chair of the Chapter Task Force, Co-Chair of the Latin America Advisory Committee, and member of the Allied Leadership Council. His contributions to the industry have been recognized with the GBTA Business Travel Professional Service Award (2004 and 2007) and the GBTA Allied Member of the Year Award (2013).

A dedicated mentor since the launch of the GBTA Ladders Program, Payne has long invested in the professionals who will shape the future of the industry: a commitment that mirrors Proske’s own values around talent, growth, and long-term thinking.

„We are thrilled to welcome Doug to our board. His remarkable career, his deep roots in the GBTA community, and his clear sense of where this market is heading make him an outstanding addition to our leadership team. As we continue to grow even more in the U.S., this appointment reflects both the direction we are heading and the high standard of people we are building around us.“ — Larissa Steinbäcker, Co-CEO, Proske

About Proske

Founded in 1986, Proske has grown from a small family-run business into an internationally operating event agency, specializing in healthcare and pharmaceutical events. Proske is a strategic meetings and events agency with a clear focus on maximizing value in Strategic Meetings Management (SMM) programs through innovative and bold solutions. Founded in Germany and with over a decade of U.S. presence, Proske has evolved into one of the most trusted names in the global meetings and events industry. With the founding of Proske Inc. and an office in New York, Proske is now represented in the United States with its own teams, including locations in New York City and Minnesota. Today, Proske employs approximately 140 people worldwide, with headquarters in Rosenheim and Munich, as well as hubs across Europe, the United States, and Asia. For more information, visit www.proske.com.