Averen, who joins from outside the travel industry, says he will be bringing a fresh perspective to FCTG.
Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) has appointed Averen Deonanan as its new CFO. He will be replacing Euan McNeil, who was promoted to managing director of the group in November 2021.
“I am really excited to be joining FCTG, especially at this juncture, with so much opportunity ahead in the industry,” Averen says. “Andrew [Stark, former MD] and Euan have done a sterling job in guiding the business through a very disruptive period and I look forward to partnering with the leadership team to ensure we build on the strong foundation they have created.”
He explains that the decision to join the travel management company was an easy one, as FCTG has an “infectious culture” and an “admirable” set of values that is lived by everyone at the company. “The business has gone from strength to strength since inception and is well geared to win a growing market.”
Averen joins from outside the industry, and will initially be aiming to gain a deep knowledge of the business, travel industry and the various macro-economic factors influencing the business. He adds that joining from outside FCTG also allows him the opportunity to bring a fresh perspective to the table.
“My key aim is to work closely with Euan and the leadership team to ensure FCTG captures the opportunity available in both business and leisure travel,” Averen says. “How we work and play has changed dramatically from two years ago and this has impacted the way in which we conduct business. Trust, innovation and high levels of customer satisfaction are key and FCTG has developed a strong foundation to exceed expectations in this regard.”
