Managing Director, Destination Management Company

• Apr 2022 - Present

Managing Director

• May 2021 - Apr 2022

Owner

• Aug 2015 - Jun 2021

Tallis Journeys specialises in bespoke adventure and luxury travel inspired by our own experiences in Asia, Africa and South America. We operate a small number of safaris and trips for a very select group of clientele specialising in the 5 star segment with a focus on philanthropic and cultural interactions. www.tallisjourneys.com Tallis Journeys specialises in bespoke adventure and luxury travel inspired by our own experiences in Asia, Africa and South America. We operate a small number of safaris and trips for a very select group of clientele specialising in the 5 star segment with a focus on philanthropic and cultural interactions. www.tallisjourneys.com

Business and Strategy Specialist

• Jul 2020 - May 2021

Short term contract to provide advice to Mitchell Shire-based businesses, particularly small and medium size enterprises (SMEs), as they respond to the economic and financial impacts of COVID-19. Included a strategic review of council’s four-year Tourism and Visitor Economy plan as well as the implementation of a Tourism Excellence Program for local businesses and the administration of state grants and projects. Short term contract to provide advice to Mitchell Shire-based businesses, particularly small and medium size enterprises (SMEs), as they respond to the economic and financial impacts of COVID-19. Included a strategic review of council’s four-year Tourism and Visitor Economy plan as well as the implementation of a Tourism Excellence Program for local businesses and the administration of state grants and projects.

Owner

• Jan 2016 - May 2021

Private contracting across the Tourism and Project Management sectors. Private contracting across the Tourism and Project Management sectors.

Executive Vice President, South Pacific & Africa

• Aug 2018 - Mar 2020

Responsible for company operations in Africa, Australia and New Zealand whilst being accountable for quality, human resources and costs. Led 5 teams across 2 continents with 16,000 clients per annum.Developed and successfully launched new products in Rwanda and Ethiopia whilst overhauling product in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Strategic planning for new product and product innovation across both regions. Restructured the Auckland team and New Zealand legal entity.

Senior Vice President, North Asia

• Apr 2017 - Jul 2018

Regional leader for all group operations in Japan, China, Korea and Mongolia. Key focus to restructure the Tokyo office and deliver excellence on the Japan programs (achieved for the first time in 2018) whilst launching new product in Korea. Managed remote teams in Tokyo, Beijing, Seoul and Ulaanbaatar and oversaw training of teams of trip leaders across the region.

Managing Director, Hong Kong & China

• Mar 2013 - Aug 2015

Transferred from Tanzania to Hong Kong to manage the transitional period with the retirement of the previous and long-standing MD Particular focus on strategic realignment of the business to include the European and four-star market whilst maintaining existing luxury travel segment and partnerships with key suppliers worldwide. Responsibility for the operations and quality of the 62 cabin Yangtze Explorer ship in China whilst managing the JV relationship with Chinese partners. Initial Project Management of the construction of the USD5 million MV Ananda in Myanmar (launched in September 2014) Initiated Joint Venture discussions with EUP partners in China and Mongolia Show less

Managing Director, Tanzania

• Jan 2011 - Mar 2013

Responsible for the entire Tanzania operation including over 200 employees, 60+ vehicles, two permanent tented camps and a mobile camping operation as well as a number of Philanthropic endeavours.Delivered the operation’s most financially successful year in its history at that time via increasing sales by 9% whilst delivering cost savings across the organisation.Initiated JV discussions with a number of EUP partners and oversight of two new lodge development projects. Initiated A&K Philanthropy’s partnership with the Ilboru School to build a specialist facility for deaf children and those with special needs Show less

Operations Director, Tanzania

• Oct 2008 - Jan 2011

Reporting to the East African Managing Director based in Kenya with role expanded to include the remaining departments of the business (accounts, transport, camping & lodges and Human Resources). Financial planning, annual budgeting with cost of goods oversight and management of key vendor contracts and relationships also part of the remit.

General Manager, Tanzania

• Jul 2007 - Sep 2008

Responsibility expanded to include the Operations department and an expanded team of up to 60 staff operating up to 7,000 clients per year. Managed the key driver-guide team including an overhaul of the safari management and allocation system and quality assurance.

Sales and Marketing Manager, Tanzania

• Jul 2005 - Jul 2007

Oversaw the department and team of 11 sales staff. Tasked with expanding the four-star European market. Delivered approximately 22% growth from the key German and French speaking markets.

Regional MICE & Cruise Manager, East Africa

• Jan 2002 - Jan 2004

Managed all key MICE and Cruise Ship business in the region with a dedicated team of 6 from proposal stage to operation. Successfully operated groups of up to 550 Pax and shore excursions and turnaround services for up to 1,200 passenger vessels.

Operations Manager, Zanzibar

• 1999 - Jan 2002

Day to day management of the A&K Zanzibar office with a permanent team of 5 and a team of up to 35 casual guides and drivers. Operational oversight for Cruise handling and turnaround.