QBT boss Hughes goes in shake-up

QBT boss Hughes goes in shake-up
By admin


QBT general manager David Hughes will leave the business this month as part of a restructure.

He will depart on March 31 after four years heading up the operation, part of Jetset Travelworld.

QBT has struggled in recent times with the firm enduring a tough 2011/12 financial year last year. JTG's travel management division suffered an earnings before interest loss of $3.3m in the 12 months to June and suffered again in the first six months of the current year.

Total transaction value fell almost 19% to $306 million with an EBITDAI loss of $1.8m, significantly more than the $732,000 deficit in the previous corresponding period.

The division has been spearheaded by Russell Carstensen since August with the Air Tickets boss vowing to drag QBT into the 21st century.

JTG chief executive Rob Gurney praised Hughes for his efforts.

"David has been responsible for leading the transformation of QBT from a department of Qantas to a stand alone business unit, and has played a key role in the management of all customer relationships including government," he said. "He is widely respected in the industry for his knowledge of corporate travel and his passion for providing exemplary customer service."

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