FCTG Independent continues to build global leadership team

By Alexandra Coulton

FCTG Independent has continued its hiring spree with a spate of new appointments to its global leadership team.

As a growing division of Flight Centre Travel Group (FLT), the company has shifted to a global structure to unify its teams and leverage the reach of its independent network and operations across Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Canada and South Africa.

Formalising its global leadership team, the company has appointed Astrid Richardson as its global director of operations and Allie Sparr as global head of brand and marketing.

Taking Richardson’s place as the general manager of FCTG Independent in Australia is Nick Queale, former GM of FCTG’s corporate businesses in New Zealand.

Beginning his career with FCTG in 1997, Queale has held numerous senior leadership roles across the business in Canada, New Zealand and Australia.

Replacing Sparr as the marketing manager for the independent network in Australia is Blake Newell who joined the Flight Centre brand
marketing team in 2019 focusing on campaigns and advertising after working with Seven West Media.

Commenting on her appointment, Richardson said she has been lucky to lead the independent business in Australia for the last two years.

Astrid Richardson

“I cannot wait to continue the success of this exciting division on a global scale,” she said.

“Our incredible network of independent travel agents and hard-working support team have achieved record sales, record profits and record turnover for the business and importantly, positioned it to continue on an even greater growth trajectory from here.”

Allie Sparr

Sparr said she was grateful for the opportunity to join such an esteemed team of industry leaders on a journey to raise the independent agency network to new heights.

“Having worked with the Australian team since mid-2021, I’ve seen the power and potential of the independent agent first-hand,” Sparr said.

“We are only just getting started. FCTG and our Independent team are focused on delivering the most compelling offering available for home-based agents and larger independent travel agencies alike.

“There are plenty of exciting developments to come and I’m honoured to be a part of the team that will deliver them.”

Nick Queale

Queale added that he has had the pleasure of working across many parts of this business, but the independent space presents a new and exciting opportunity.

“We have great plans to invest in the continued growth and improvement of our independent agency offering,” he said.

“I look forward to leading the Australian network and support team during this time.”

Blake Newell

Newell commented that he is passionate about both travel and marketing, and is eager to help this part of our business and the
independent agency network continue to thrive.

“I look forward to working with the team and tackling new challenges together,” he said.

Featured image: Allie Sparr and Blake Newell

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Allie Sparr Astrid Richardson Blake Newell FCTG Independent flight centre travel group global leadership team Nick Queale