Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) has made a series of strategic appointments to bolster the group’s goal of becoming Africa’s greatest travel and technology experience company. The appointments are effective 1 August 2019.
“The personal and professional growth of our people will always be our number one strategy to achieve the group’s goals,” says Andrew Stark, FCTG Managing Director Middle East and Africa. “We strive to promote from within, upskilling our people so that they are ready to take on new roles when they become available. This is what establishes our business for future success.”
“Our leadership development programmes, the Flight Centre Business School and fast track leadership opportunities inspire our people towards success,” adds Stark. FCTG South Africa has been recognized as one of Deloitte’s Best Companies to Work for in South Africa for 14 consecutive years.
The following senior appointments have been announced:
Kim Taylor has been appointed as the Customer Experience Director. Taylor has been with FCTG for nine years. “My many years within the Customer Care space will enable me to direct various strategies that will not only enhance our customer experience, but also ensure we deliver on our promise of delivering amazing customer experiences,” says Taylor.
FCM Travel Solutions South Africa’s former Systems and Implementation Manager Melanie Walljee has been appointed as Implementation Director. Walljee has an HR diploma, over 12 years’ experience at FCTG and over 20 years’ experience in the travel industry. She understands what makes a smooth and effective implementation strategy.
The new Leisure Marketing Leaderis Heleen Alberts, who holds anHonours Degree Equivalent from the University of Stellenbosch Business School (USB), has been with FCTG for 13 years and worked in different areas of the organisation. “I am looking forward to this new chapter in my FCTG journey. What a privilege to work with brilliant experts within this department (and related departments) as we collaborate to deliver a great product at a great price to the South African traveller,” says Alberts.
Leading a new automation team is Craig Long, FCTG Business Leader for Data and Reporting. The automation team will harness the company’s technologies to drive a smoother end-to-end travel transaction for clients and operational teams. “This is an extremely exciting project as it will create further capacity for our Travel Consultants to focus on delivering world-class travel experiences,” says Long, who has been with FCTG for over 10 years.
The new Corporate Marketing Leader is Louise Harty who says FCTG’s corporate brands’ (FCM Travel Solutions, Corporate Traveller and Flight Centre Business Travel) marketing has always been a key disruptor and differentiator in the market place. “Stepping into this role, I hope to continue the trend, position each corporate brand in their unique way to their audiences and grow our market share in South Africa.” Harty holds an IMM Diploma in Marketing and joined FCTG in February 2017, bringing with her 12 years of B2B marketing experience.
Carlos Luis, Flight Centre’s former Travel Procurement Leader, will move into the FCTG Commercial Manager position. “FCTG has always been about profit, growth and change. My new role allows me to explore new and exciting opportunities and partnerships which we have not focused much of our attention on in the past,” says Luis, who has an Honours Degree Equivalent (USB) and has worked in the industry for 16 years.
Dayle White steps into the role of Commercial Finance. She has an MBA from Bond University and an Associate’s Degree in Business/Commerce. White was previously FCTG’s financial controller. White has been with FCTG for 13 years and has 17 years of industry experience.