Name: Eva Reda
Title: Executive Vice President, Global Co-Brand Partnerships and Business Development
Company, city: American Express; New York City, New York
Number of employees: 55,000
Recent project: The rebrand and refresh of the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card portfolio, formerly the SPG American Express Card portfolio
First job: I worked as a pharmacy technician.
Little-known fact about you: I love historic homes and enjoy restoration. I purchased a home from the 1890s and restored it, preserving the original details and architectural features.
Your Business
What innovations or initiatives do you foresee in the industry over the next few years? In the travel and credit card space, the focus will be on leveraging technology while preserving a human-centered approach. Customers expect seamless, digital experiences, but they also value personal service and meaningful benefits tied to their lifestyles. Balancing data-driven personalization, mobile-first services and thoughtful, human interactions will define innovation in our industry.
Best career advice you’ve received: Do what you love — you’ll do it best and sustain the passion and commitment required for long-term success.
What advice would you give someone starting out in the field? Take the time to explore and identify what you truly enjoy. When your work aligns with your interests, it’s easier to excel and build a fulfilling career.
Eva Reda as a Traveler
Favorite travel memory or story: About ten years ago I stayed at a hotel in Costa Rica at the base of the Arenal Volcano. From a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows at dusk, I watched the volcano glow and emit smoke. The sight was so dramatic it almost seemed unreal — both calming and a powerful reminder of nature’s force.
One travel tip you cannot live without: Prioritize sleep. I need about eight hours; without it, everything feels off and you can’t fully appreciate business meetings or leisure activities. Good rest keeps travel productive and enjoyable.
Best advice for business travelers: Build in extra time when you can, especially in inspiring destinations. Leaving space to step away from meetings and conferences lets you experience the location and recharge, making business travel more rewarding.
About American Express
As Marriott recently rebranded its loyalty program, American Express and Marriott refreshed the co-branded credit cards. Tell us about the new cards.
Earlier this year, Marriott International — a partner of more than 50 years — and American Express updated our co-branded card lineup to reflect the Marriott Bonvoy brand. The refreshed Marriott Bonvoy American Express cards include new names, redesigned cards, updated benefits and special offers designed to deliver more value and enhanced experiences for card members.
The Starwood Preferred Guest American Express Luxury Card became the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card, our premium offering featuring a stainless-steel design and elevated benefits, including up to $100 in property credits per stay at select Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis properties.
The Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express is now the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card and features an artist-commissioned design and benefits aligned with the broader Marriott Bonvoy portfolio.
The Starwood Preferred Guest Business Credit Card from American Express transitioned to the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card, now offering an additional free night award (at redemption levels of 35,000 points or less) when a card member spends $60,000 or more annually.
What exclusive events and experiences can Marriott Bonvoy American Express card members look forward to?
Card members can access a curated calendar of events that reflect key interests such as food, music, art and sports. Some experiences are open to all card members while others are reserved for Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card members. Examples from our recent calendar include member hospitality at the Masters, a premium property activation during Miami’s Art Basel, an experience at Marriott’s ION Hotel in Iceland, and participation opportunities at BottleRock, Aspen Food & Wine and the U.S. Open. These events are designed to create memorable, in-person experiences that connect card members with the things they care about most.
Marriott and American Express enjoy a history of more than 50 years. What can readers expect from the future of this relationship?
With the full integration of The Ritz-Carlton into the Marriott Bonvoy program and the launch of the rebranded cards, we’re focused on expanding luxury offerings and exclusive experiences for card members. Going forward, expect continued communication of the refreshed benefits and an evolving calendar of exclusive events that leverage our long-standing partnership to deliver unique moments and meaningful value to members.