Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
Born and raised in Australia I was paying my way through university working in bars when I had a moment of clarity. Sitting in a law lecture I realised this wasn’t what I wanted to do, so I threw on a backpack and set off to explore the world. Returning home three years later, always curious, adventurous and drawn to people I gravitated towards travel, starting as a novice consultant. Years of amazing internal training, a culture that encouraged taking responsibility for your business unit, and internal promotions, saw me develop into a passionate people leader opening up opportunities around the world including senior roles in New York and Auckland. As Managing Director of Flight Centre NZ during Covid I have become more resilient and turned my hand to being a strong industry advocate, including government spokesperson and media commentator. Widely known among friends and colleagues as Coombsey, I am happily settled in Auckland, raising my children, and when not working you’ll find me checking out Aotearoa’s landscapes by bike, and exploring the Waitemata by paddle board and boat.
Independent Director providing governance, contributing to strategic direction and utilising industry experience, insights and connections.
This role took me on a journey in three parts, the highs of leading a successful business replaced overnight by implementing the heart-breaking but necessary actions required to ensure the survival of one of Covid’s most impacted businesses, followed by the challenges of upscaling at an unprecedented pace. - Responsible for all pillars of a NZ$1.2bn, multi-brand and model business of 1200 people and 120 retail outlets - Three successive years of record sales, revenue and profits pre Covid - Developed business models creating new revenue channels - Led global taskforce, recommending that the models be rapidly expanded globally which was ratified by the board - Grew and future-proofed the business via acquisition and formation of joint ventures - Created Flight Centre Mastercard in partnership with Humm Group, a customer loyalty program and MoneyHub’s Best Travel Credit Card 2021/22/23 - Led covid response, including right-sizing business to 400 people and 40 outlets, - Maintained 90% staff retention after the rationalisation - Spearheaded securement of $50m government support scheme for the travel industry - Rapid upscaling strategies and actions, culminating in a return to profit and increased retail market share from 45% to 65%