Cheapflights announces first hire down under

Following a record year in 2015 and more than 2.7 million visits across Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) in the first quarter of 2016, global flight search and travel deals platform Cheapflights is accelerating its regional growth and partner network expansion plans with the appointment of its first representative Down Under, Nathan Graham, to the role of Regional Sales Manager - ANZ.  

Responsible for capitalising on existing momentum and further building the valuable local market, Graham will lead strategic marketing initiatives across the region, develop and manage partner relationships, educate stakeholders on new product developments and pave the way for future ANZ hires.

Cheapflights Global Managing Director, Andrew Shelton, said the company is excited to have a dedicated local presence and is doubling down to foster awareness and engagement in what is already Cheapflights’ fourth largest global market.  

“To date we have seen phenomenal progress across ANZ with minimal investment. We will now look to harness the power of our global brand to take our rightful market share, backed by Nathan’s expertise and passion for the business. He is a proven talent, with significant pedigree in deals publishing, and has an important role to play in cementing relationships with partners and users, as well as driving competition. 

“We’re confident our core offer, leading technology and commitment to the market will establish us as a force to be reckoned with in 2016 and beyond.” 

From January through March 2016, Cheapflights.co.nz recorded a 103 percent year-on-year increase while the .com.au platform saw growth of 91 percent.  Over 63,100 app installs across ANZ were also logged during this period. In 2015, Cheapflights generated over NZ$375m in downstream revenue for partner brands.

Nathan Graham said he will be working with the UK-based team and local media and communications agencies to push Cheapflights into the top five travel websites in the next 18 months and increase ANZ revenue by 65 per cent. 

“Cheapflights is a pioneer and an innovator in the industry, with a powerfully intuitive brand and outstanding metasearch technology. My priority is to help showcase our best in class offering and the strong returns we deliver for partners. I’m excited to join the team and am looking forward to being part of the next chapter of the Cheapflights story in ANZ.” 

Graham has more than seven years’ experience in the travel industry working across a range of sectors including aviation, cruising, hospitality, touring, wholesale and retail. Based in Sydney, he will report into Cheapflights’ Head of Sales at the organisation’s London headquarters.