Envoyage has handed strategic leadership of its largest market to global general manager Astrid Richardson, following the departure of Australia general manager Nick Queale.
The independent travel network has reshaped its Australian leadership, with Operations Leader Lisa Zahra stepping up to Director of Operations, Australia, and global general manager Astrid Richardson extending her remit to take direct ownership of the local market.
The changes follow the exit of Australia general manager Nick Queale, who leaves after nearly four years leading Envoyage and 29 years with parent company Flight Centre Travel Group.
Australia is network’s largest market, and the network has signalled the reshuffle as a deeper investment in member support on home soil, following a recent run of appointments across product leadership, marketing and business development.
What Lisa Zahra takes on
In her expanded role, Zahra will lead the operational engine behind the Envoyage Australia member experience, with a focus on scaling support, deepening member outcomes and driving the next phase of growth.
“The people in this network are what make Envoyage what it is. My role is to make sure they have everything they need to thrive; and that’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly,” said Envoyage director of operations, Australia, Lisa Zahra.
Richardson takes the strategy lead
Richardson will carry strategic leadership of the Australian market alongside her existing global remit, splitting the local leadership into strategy and operations.
“I have a clear focus on creating more opportunity and more success for the travel entrepreneurs in the Australian network,” said Envoyage global general manager Astrid Richardson.
“With Lisa Zahra leading operations and my focus on strategy and growth, we’re well placed to deliver even more for our members, and for the businesses they’ve built.”
Nick Queale’s departure
Queale’s exit closes a near three-decade run with Flight Centre Travel Group, where managing director Andrew Stark has been reshaping the group’s product team structure, including his leadership of Envoyage in Australia.
“After nearly four years leading Envoyage and 29 years with Flight Centre Travel Group, I’ve decided now was the right time to take the next step in my career,” said Queale.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities and memories created throughout my time at Flight Centre.
“The travel industry is a uniquely connected and resilient community, and it has been a privilege to work with talented colleagues, industry partners and entrepreneurial business leaders who continually inspire innovation, growth and exceptional customer outcomes.”
KARRYON UNPACKS: For Envoyage’s 1,100-plus Australian members, the split puts a dedicated operations leader in Zahra and a global-to-local strategy line in Richardson, while Queale departs an industry he served for nearly three decades. It’s a vote of confidence in the network’s home market, which remains its biggest.
