After announcing its full acquisition by Helloworld Travel earlier this week and the appointment of Lesley Owen as Group General Manager, MTA – Mobile Travel Agents has officially welcomed the leader of its next chapter.
Owen brings more than 25 years’ industry experience across travel, aviation and corporate sectors to head up MTA under Helloworld Travel. She joins the company after five years as GM at OBrien Real Estate Clark in Victoria.
Her industry career includes senior leadership roles at ATPI, Voyager Travel Corporation, Virgin Blue Group of Airlines, United Airlines and Jetset Fare Deals.
As MTA continues to strengthen its position as the leader in the independent travel sector, Owen’s appointment signals a renewed focus on growth, innovation and partnership.
Owen’s appointment follows the retirement of CEO Don Beattie after 12 years of leadership.
Under his direction, MTA has become one of Australia’s most awarded independent travel networks. Beattie will continue in an advisory role during the transition.
Melbourne-based Owen said she has admired MTA – Mobile Travel Agents for many years, calling the company “a true pioneer as the first mobile travel business in Australia, built on family values, trust and the vision to empower advisors to succeed on their own terms”.
“To now be part of that legacy, to help write the next chapter alongside such an extraordinary community of people, is both humbling and inspiring and I feel incredibly privileged to continue that journey,” she said.
Helloworld Travel announced its full takeover of Mobile Travel Holdings (MTH), trading as MTA – Mobile Travel Agents, on 21 October 2025 after acquiring the remaining 50 per cent stake.
Find out more at helloworld.com.au
