You joined FCM from the airline industry. What inspired the switch?

I’ve worked in various airlines for over 20 years, and wanted the opportunity to re-invent myself.

I also wanted to get out of my comfort zone and thought FCM was a great choice. In the last few years, it has established itself as a leader in the TMC space. (And with) their recent expansion and brand transformation across technology, branding and services, this is the perfect time to join them and help bring the business to the next level.

How will your past experience in the airline business aid you in your new role?

Air spend usually represents more than 80 per cent of companies’ travel budget; understanding how airlines deal with corporate clients will be of great advantage to FCM and our clients as we help them negotiate for the best deals.

I am also in the position to upskill my team to improve our customers’ travel programmes, thus increasing savings and efficiency.

Change management is another valuable skillset I’ve brought with me that will help support new clients as they make the transition from another TMC to FCM.

What do you hope to achieve in your career at FCM?

As a leader, the best result you can hope to achieve is to groom future leaders. My top priority is to develop my team to their maximum potential and for them to be recognised as the best account management team in South-east Asia. Concurrently, I am also mentoring the team in Greater China, and expect them to grow into their roles.

I’ve always wanted to spend a few years in New York, so once my teams are settled, I will be more than happy to explore a role in New York and live out my dream!

What do you love most about the travel
business?

People! I love being able to meet new people from different cultures. It can be a client review meeting in Singapore, a conference in Hong Kong, a video conference with the US – everyone has experiences to share and stories to tell. The best ones are around a few drinks and lots of laughter.

Lai has been promoted from his role as vice president, development with Onyx Hospitality Group to vice president, North Asia. He has been with the company since 2012.

Sharma has taken up the newly created role of deputy director of operations at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. He has over 25 years’ experience working in the hotel, banquet and convention industry in destinations including Singapore, Bali and Malaysia.

Martin has been appointed to the dual role of general manager of InterContinental Singapore and regional general manager, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) Singapore, Malaysia and Batam. He brings with him over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry.

Sittl now leads Mövenpick Siam Hotel Pattaya as general manager, having left his last role as general manager of Lebua at State Tower and Tower Club at Lebua in Bangkok

Tan now leads The Settlement Hotel Melaka as general manager. Prior to this, she was the general manager of Hotel Grand Continental Kuching.

Patterson has joined FCM Travel Solutions as director of account management, Southeast Asia. She joins from China Eastern Airlines, where she led the Global Corporate Sales Department.

Budiman is now general manager of the luxury hotel, Shinta Mani Siem Reap. He joins from Hansar Hotels, where he held the dual role of CEO/general manager for six years.

Dusit International has appointed Antepli as general manager of the upcoming Dusit Hotel & Suites Doha. He has over 18 years of experience working in various hospitality positions for well-known hotel chains across the Middle East and Eastern Europe.

FCM Travel Solutions has appointed Bezoari as director of sales, South-east Asia. He joins FCM from Rosetta Stone, where he was responsible for the corporate sales division across EMEA and Japan.