Flight Centre’s marcomms chief returns to News Corp

News Corp Australia has announced the appointment of Dwayne Birtles as its new travel industry head.

Birtles joins News Corp from Flight Centre Travel Group, where he was head of marketing communications.

The appointment marks Birtles’ return to News Corp, who worked in a number of digital advertising roles prior to joining Flight Centre in 2016.

With more than 13 years’ media and marketing experience, he will be responsible for driving News Corp Australia’s commercial strategy and marketing solutions for the media giant’s travel category.

News Corp Australia’s managing director of national sales, Lou Barrett, said: “I’m delighted Dwayne is returning to the business with his wealth of travel knowledge and experience to be the primary media and marketing partner for our clients in this category.

“The travel category is a key pillar of our business and one that we continue to invest in. Over the last few months, we’ve been working closely with our clients and advertising partners to support their business through this challenging period and beyond.

“I look forward to working with Dwayne to maximise our innovative solutions for our clients and consumers.”

Commenting on his appointment, Birtles said: “I’m thrilled to be returning to News Corp Australia at a time of considerable change and development for the travel vertical.

“The opportunity to tap into the huge audience that travel presents within News Corp Australia and tailor solutions for clients and consumers alike excites me greatly.

“I can’t wait to get stuck into working with such a future-focused business that’s committed to transformation.”