Orbitz names new directors: Brand from Blackstone Group, and Gerstner from Altimeter Capital

Orbitz Worldwide names 2 new directors

CHICAGO — Online travel retailer Orbitz Worldwide Inc. said Thursday that it has named Martin Brand and Brad Gerstner to its board of directors, effective immediately.

Brand is a managing director in the private equity group at The Blackstone Group, which held more than half of Orbitz shares as of the end of 2009, according to filings. He is also on the board at Travelport Limited, Performance Food Group and Bayview Asset Management LLC.

Brad Gerstner is CEO of Altimeter Capital Management, an investment firm in Boston. He is also on the board of Silver Rail Technologies Inc. and Expert Media Inc.

Orbitz President and CEO Barney Harford said Brand has “extensive financial and international experience,” while Gerstner “brings a deep online travel background.”

Orbitz shres rose 3 cents to $6.73 in afternoon trading.