MONTVALE, NJ — Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) Americas has announced several new changes to its executive lineup.

First, President Dean Smith will be retiring after 23 years at the end of the company’s financial year on June 30, 2020.

Dean Smith

“It’s been an incredible journey at Flight Centre and I’m truly grateful to have been a part of such a dynamic company in an industry that I am truly passionate about,” said Smith. “I’ve very proud of where the Americas business is today, and I’ve had a deeply satisfying career that has allowed me to lead this organization through great progress and achievements.”

Charlene Leiss

Charlene Leiss, current Head of FCTG Americas Corporate Brands, has been appointed to succeed Smith and will assume his responsibilities effective Jan. 1, 2020.

The announcement was made in conjunction with the company’s parent company revealing that it has expanded its global leadership team to increase its focus on corporate and leisure travel growth. Smith will spend six months in a strategic global leisure role through to June 30, helping to transition the business through various leisure-related transformation initiatives that are currently underway.

John Beauvais, current President of the FCTG Canadian business, will become President, Corporate Brands, America. He will be responsible for the strategic direction and growth of the company’s corporate brands, including FCM and Corporate Traveller in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, and the company’s network throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.