Travel Counsellors farewell Fred, nab industry expert as new MD

There’s been some massive shaking-up in the industry, and we’re not talking about last night’s margaritas.

Travel Counsellors Australia has announced a new Regional Managing Director, appointing Kaylene Shuttlewood to take the helm of the Australian operation.

Shuttlewood is already an industry veteran, having held senior positions in the UK, Australia and USA, with previous roles including Head of Affiliate at Helloworld and Director of Air Product for Stella Travel Group, and General Manager Air Tickets.

Shuttlewood will step into the role following a year’s secondment by Acting Managing Director Fred Van Eijk, who will return to oversee the Travel Counsellors’ Netherlands and Belgium operations and support the Company’s further growth plans in Europe and elsewhere.

Travel Weekly recently sat down with Fred to discuss tech and the likelihood of robots taking of travel, read the interview here.

See also: “Webjet is certainly a threat to agents”: TC boss Fred van Eijk

Travel Counsellors Global CEO Steve Byrne commented, “We have invested considerable time looking for the right individual with the exceptional leadership skills, global experience, values and proven track required to lead Travel Counsellors in Australia and the Region.”

“Kaylene’s market knowledge and insight, international commercial experience and understanding of technology and other trends on a global level will bring enormous benefits to the company, building on the support and service we offer our Travel Counsellors and giving the business a strong Australian identity and leadership,” he added.

“As part of the global leadership team, Kaylene will spearhead our ambitious growth plans in Australia and the Region as we take the Company to another level.”

Shuttlewood will join the support team in the Melbourne based head office in April, with Fred van Eijk remaining in the Australia business working alongside Shuttlewood until mid-May.

Her responsibilities will include maximising future growth opportunities across all areas of the business.

Shuttlewood said of the appointment, “I am delighted to be joining Travel Counsellors at what is a very exciting time for the business, bringing my experience and knowledge to the table and adding to the fantastic support network in our Australian office.

“I believe in the Company’s culture and that its technology-enabled, relationship-based business model, with a focus on caring for its travel counsellors who in turn care for their customers, has unlimited potential in Australia.

“I am so excited to be part of the team, to be able to build upon what has already been achieved in Australia and deliver the significant potential there is for the Company in the Region.”