SITA appoints Pedro Alves to lead digital border innovations

July 4, 2025 in Travel & Tourism, U by Editor

Global air transport IT provider SITA has appointed Pedro Alves as Senior Vice President of SITA Borders, the company’s business unit tasked with advancing digital border solutions amid growing international travel and evolving security challenges.

The announcement, made on July 1, marks a significant leadership transition as Alves succeeds Jeremy Springall, who spent nearly a decade at the helm of SITA’s border operations and retires after leading transformative government partnerships and securing the company’s largest-ever contract in 2024.

Pedro Alves takes on the role at a time when governments worldwide face mounting pressures: record passenger volumes, intensifying threats such as terrorism and human trafficking, and the rising demand for seamless, digitally enabled border experiences.

“Pedro takes the reins at a time when the needs of border agencies are evolving fast,” said David Lavorel, CEO of SITA. “With growing global mobility and the increasing complexity of threats, governments are turning to smarter technologies. Pedro’s deep expertise and forward-looking vision make him the ideal leader for this next phase.”

Since joining SITA in early 2024 to lead global business development, Alves has worked closely with border agencies to develop secure, scalable, and user-centric solutions. His previous work in pioneering identity and border technologies has shaped approaches to modern border management.

“We are at a tipping point where border control must be dynamic, integrated, and seamless,” Alves said in a statement. “SITA is uniquely positioned to help governments respond to fast-changing demands, thanks to our global footprint, trusted partnerships, and commitment to co-innovation.”

Alves now assumes leadership of a business line that supports more than 70 governments globally, helping them manage people and goods through digitised borders. From e-gates and biometric screening to automated passenger processing, SITA’s Borders unit has grown into a key player in government travel and identity solutions.

Springall, who joined SITA in 2016, is credited with turning the Borders business into a global leader in secure travel facilitation. His tenure was marked by landmark projects integrating identity, health, and border data to create secure yet frictionless travel pathways.

“Jeremy’s impact has been nothing short of transformational. From delivering critical national systems to shaping long-term strategy, he’s been instrumental in positioning SITA as the trusted partner for border innovation,” Lavorel said in recognition of Springall’s contributions.

Springall’s career prior to SITA included senior roles at CGI and Logica, where he led large-scale transportation and security programs in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Alves’ appointment comes as SITA prepares to expand its next-generation digital identity and border management offerings. With border crossings expected to surpass pre-pandemic levels by 2026, and governments leaning heavily on biometrics, AI, and digital travel credentials, SITA aims to deepen its innovation role in the sector.

His leadership is expected to drive product evolution and support SITA’s broader strategy of frictionless travel, a key pillar in the company’s airport and airline technology roadmap.

“Governments need agility and proven solutions to manage rising complexities,” Alves said. “We will keep working with our partners to make border control smarter, faster, and more secure.”