International luxury travel network Virtuoso has appointed former Jetset Travelworld Group figure Michael Londregan as its new executive general manager to oversee its operations in Australia, New Zealand and Asia.
The announcement comes as Virtuoso marks 10 years of operations in Australia and New Zealand after entering the market with the signing of Mary Rossi Travel in 2004. It has since added 31 travel agency members with 53 office locations.
Londregan’s appointment is a sign of the network’s growth aspirations in the area, according to Virtuoso chairman and chief executive Matthew Upchurch.
“His appointment signifies a shift in how we’re choosing to do business, having someone located in-market who can act as a leader and liaison for our travel agency members as well as seek out new business opportunities throughout Asia," he said. "Michael’s experience, both in the industry and with the Virtuoso network, makes him uniquely qualified to lead these efforts.”
Most recently, Londregan held the position of group general manager wholesale at JTG, which he left in June 2013 which the firm said he had made the decision to leave in order to "pursue personal interests".
Prior to that, he was president of JTG's US arm Stella Travel Services USA during which time he worked with Virtuoso as a supplier and marketing partner.
“I have always been impressed by the quality of their members and the strength of their brand,” says Londregan. “Now back in Australia, I am equally impressed by the quality of the members in this region and the tremendous potential of the group. I am looking forward to working with our partner members and suppliers in continuing to enhance the Virtuoso value proposition and increasing our profile in the Asia Pacific region.”
