The Travel Corporation (TTC) has announced that its Australian CEO and Uniworld Australia managing director, Fiona Dalton, will leave the company on 2 March.
Dalton became Uniworld’s local boss back in May 2016 before taking on the added responsibility of leading TTC’s Aussie operations just over three months ago.
Long time TTC executive director David Hosking will assume the CEO office responsibilities when Dalton leaves, and will work with the company’s local executive team to execute and drive its recovery strategies.
“Stepping down from this coveted role and from a company as exceptional as TTC is one of the most difficult career decisions I’ll ever make,” Dalton said in a statement.
“However, the impact of COVID-19 has irrevocably changed many of us, and for me, it has ignited my desire to consider my next chapter.
“I will be forever grateful to Brett [Tollman] for understanding the decision I have made, and for his inspirational leadership these past 12 months, and to Ellen Bettridge for her mentorship over the last few years.
“Above all, I will miss working alongside my team and fellow brand leaders. They are a strong and stabilising force, and we have achieved so much together over the years.
“I know not even a pandemic will stand in the way of TTC’s continued success, and I look forward to supporting and cheering for each of the brands from the sidelines in the future as the world heals and travel recovers.”
Tollman, who is TTC’s global chief executive, said: “Fiona has consistently delivered superior results over the past five years for Uniworld in Australia, and we were excited to have her step into the CEO role last September.
“However, we recognise that the world has changed immeasurably since Fiona’s appointment was announced, and we subsequently respect Fiona’s decision to resign for personal reasons.”
“Fiona has led from the front through a very challenging period in our history. She will stay with us until March to continue the important work currently underway to refocus our business for recovery, and setting us in the right direction to capitalise on the pent-up demand for travel we know exists in Australia.
“I want to sincerely thank Fiona for her outstanding contributions over the last five years and to wish her well in whichever future direction she chooses.
“We have a very talented and committed team in Australia and I personally look forward to working with them through David Hosking, whom I have worked closely with for over three decades. TTC Australia is in very good hands.”
TTC also announced the appointment of Alice Ager as general manager for Uniworld Australia.
“Reporting directly to Ellen Bettridge and David Hosking, Alice has demonstrated a superior understanding of Australia’s luxury market and has developed deep relationships with her peers and her partners,” Tollman said.
“She has worked alongside Fiona for nearly three years, and we’re pleased to appoint her into this important role.
“Despite the challenging market conditions, this decision serves to reinforce our commitment to the brand, to the market and the value we place in succession planning for our people.”
