Global Touring’s latest moves see Anna Fawcett in the newly created role of General Manager APAC and David Gendle promoted to Head of Sales, expanding the leadership team amid growth across its Topdeck Travel and Back-Roads Touring brands.
Previously Topdeck Travel’s Head of Global Marketing in London for two years, Fawcett now joins the Global Touring executive team and will be based in the Brisbane office.
She brings her intimate knowledge of Global Touring brands and diverse external experience in tourism and economic development to the role, including a recent stint as Tourism Solomons Technical Advisor – Destination Marketing with the New Zealand Government in the Solomon Islands and working with ChristchurchNZ and VisitBritain.
Her Topdeck achievements included leading the brand’s ‘Feel Real‘ relaunch and winning ‘Best Use of Social Media’ at the 2019 British Youth Travel Awards for the ‘Spontaneous Traveller’ campaign.
Fawcett said: “I am really excited to be rejoining Global Touring. My core focus will be sales and customer service, working more closely with the travel trade and seeking new distribution channels.”
“This is such an exciting time of expansion on many levels and I am thrilled to be part of it.”
Global Touring Managing Director Ed Pettitt said Fawcett will assist with the company’s continued post-COVID momentum.
“Her new role as part of our global executive leadership team will be pivotal in our advancement plans,” he said.
“This new position will focus on B2B sales channels as well as our customer service team and really enhancing our customer service offering – all designed to help make our brands the easiest for travel agents and customers to deal with.”
David Gendle promoted to Global Touring Head of Sales
David Gendle has also stepped up as Global Head of Sales ahead of his retirement at the end of 2024 after 30-plus years in the travel industry.
Gendle will oversee the BDM team in his new role to drive sales growth and foster trade relationships across both brands.
“David has been instrumental in our sales success over the last six years and we certainly would not be in this position without him,” Pettitt said.
“These are two really exciting changes to our global executive team and as we flourish together, our brands will continue to grow from strength to strength.”
Topdeck celebrated its 50th anniversary last year as the founding company of Flight Centre Travel Group.
