American Express Travel executive to head new internet services company.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 6, 1996--John I. Williams, Jr., formerly general manager of the American Express Consumer Travel Network, has become president and chief executive officer of Middlegate Inc., a new company that uses intelligent agent software to provide travel information and booking services to the small business market over the internet.

Middlegate is backed by three high technology venture capital partnerships, Accel Partners, New Enterprise Associates and Hummer Winblad Venture Partners, in a partnership with Intel Corporation and News Corporation. Other companies the venture firms have helped create include UUNet, Progressive Networks (Real Audio) and Powersoft.

Williams had worked at American Express since 1988. Before heading up the Consumer Travel Network, the country's largest retail travel agency, Williams managed that company's Platinum Card business in the United States. He was also responsible for developing ExpressNet, the company's on-line service. Prior to joining American Express, Williams was a consultant with the Gartner Group, advising companies regarding the strategic use of information technology.

"In a start-up company, you need entrepreneurial leadership to take a brilliant concept and powerful technology and make it a success in the marketplace," said Joe Schoendorf, a partner in Accel Partners.

"We are lucky to add John Williams' leadership and experience to Middlegate's creative and technical capabilities. John has a great track record in the two industries crucial to this business: travel and information technology," said Schoendorf.

Williams will be heading a team comprised of founders John B. Evans and Peter Miller. Evans had previously founded News Electronic Data, the electronic publishing subsidiary of News Corporation. He had been president of Murdoch Magazines, whose titles include Elle, Seventeen, TV Guide, Premier and Mirabella, while simultaneously creating a division devoted to travel and travel agency publications, including Travel Weekly and Hotel & Travel Index.

Miller was the founder and principal of Interactive Management Partners, a business advisory firm specializing in interactive media and technology. Previously, he had been vice president for Interactive Services at Viacom Inc. and head of engineering for the Consumer Products Division at Apple Computer. He created and headed the Advanced Technology Group at Lotus Development Corporation, and co-founded ON Technology Inc. with Lotus founder, Mitchell Kapor.

"Electronic commerce is no longer the wave of the future. It's the wave of the present," said John Williams. "Recent developments are making it easier, more secure and more appealing for larger numbers of people to do business over the Internet. On-line travel management is one of the fastest growing categories on the net, especially for smaller businesses and home offices. We see a tremendous opportunity to improved customer service and satisfaction while reducing costs to travel suppliers."

CONTACT: Middlegate Inc.

Tracey Riese, 212/984-1056