LONDON, 5 September 2023 — Wings Global Travel is expanding its London based financial services team to meet rising demand for international business travel from the sector.
The TMC reports strong demand from investment banking and other financial sector clients as business travel continues to recover. Wings has hired former TAG Travel head of sales Kim Parker to lead the expansion of the financial services division.
Parker, who has 25 years’ experience in the travel industry dealing with high value, “high touch” clients, joins the company as Head of Business Development, London.
Although corporate travel has been slower to return than consumer travel following the pandemic, Wings credits its continuing strong business in investment banking with its ability to keep growing through the slowdown.
MD of UK & Europe, Colin Goldney said: “Spend on corporate travel is beginning to recover but against a background of higher costs, which is one of the major reasons why volumes are down. We have been protected by our focus on niches like investment banking where travel remains critical to the business.
“Investment banking has enjoyed two years of record profits and London remains an important hub for clients who are closing deals in the US, Africa, Middle East and Singapore.”
Parker said: “This is an exciting time to join Wings with its strong service ethos and growing client base in investment banking. While technology is transforming the travel industry, high-touch services delivered by knowledgeable, experienced people are critically important to financial sector clients. Deal makers take long trips with frequent itinerary changes and expect round the clock service and support. My job is to make sure we can continue to maintain that standard as business volumes increase.”
Colin Goldney, MD/SVP UK & Europe
Kim Parker, Head of Business Development, London