Former Flight Centre Travel Group leader Darren Lloyd, aka Daz, a popular and admired industry figure for more than 25 years among head office staff, frontline retail team members and trade partners alike, has sadly passed away.
Well-known by many in the industry, Lloyd will be remembered for his quick smile and easy manner, unwavering support of others and his generous nature that made him a popular colleague and friend, not just within FCTG but in the wider sector as well.
Lloyd began his FCTG career in 1999, rising in the ranks as General Manager across the leisure retail network, including as GM of Student Flights Australia and Escape Travel.
He took on many leadership roles during his 25-plus years at FCTG, including Executive General Manager of BYOJet.
Lloyd left the travel industry for board roles and as a Freckles Kindy & Learning Centre co-business owner with his wife, Ainsley, providing childcare services in Queensland and NSW.
He returned to FCTG in September 2023 as Brand Leader aka Chief Captain of Cruiseabout to relaunch the leisure retail brand in Australia, before returning to helm Freckles Kindy & Learning Centre full-time in September 2024.
In his leisure time, Lloyd was an avid champion barefoot water-skier who represented Australia since his youth.
Most recently, he won the Veteran Men’s division at the 2025 Australian Barefoot Championships in May and earned third place in the Senior Men’s 2 category at the Master’s World Championships in France last month.
Karryon sends our sincere condolences to the Lloyd family, Flight Centre Travel Group and all who knew him.
