Billy McDonough Named FCM Travel President for the Americas

Billy McDonough has been named FCM Travel President for the Americas, effective immediately.

This new role comes after measured and noteworthy success during his tenure as the FCM USA Brand Leader. McDonough has seen the brand through many new partnerships and technological enhancements over the last five years as led FCM in the USA. In his new post he will look to share the best practices and create strategic synergies amongst the markets under his leadership, which now include the USA, Canada, Mexico and Argentina.

McDonough started with Flight Centre in 1996 as a travel consultant, a role he continues to have a great deal of admiration for. He has worked across the corporate, leisure and procurement divisions of the company, having held a number of executive positions, including president of the iconic Liberty Travel brand in the USA. In his twenty-plus years with Flight Centre his colleagues have consistently applauded his collaborative approach that has resulted in tight-knit, hard-working, successful teams who appreciate his leadership. McDonough has a razor-sharp focus on both retention and driving results, all while maintaining a sense of humor that make him incredibly approachable. In 2012 McDonough's work ethic, results and overall positive way of being were recognized with his induction into the Flight Centre Hall of Fame, an honor bestowed only on three people per year from the global pool of associates which totals over 18,000.

“Billy's unique sense of humor, wit and uncanny way of understanding the human psyche have been a breath of fresh air at all times. Having his thought leadership, guidance and structure over these key markets will be invaluable,” said President Charlene Leiss, Flight Centre Corporate Brands. "I place the utmost confidence in Billy's leadership abilities, and know he can take the FCM Americas region to new heights with his 'One Best Way' principles, focus on retention and special ability to lead people and drive results through times of tremendous growth and change."

McDonough, who will ultimately be in charge of nearly 400 employees, will continue to work very closely with Marcus Eklund, FCM Global Brand Leader and Maren Hanschke, Manager of FCM's Latin America network, to implement successful operational, account management and BDM team-based structures for the entire region.