Here we find out more about Brett Simon, Head of Commercial ANZ, Globus family of brands.
Q: What was your first ever job and what did you learn from it that you still use today?
A: A paper delivery. Be organised, find the efficiencies oh, and when it is winter in Christchurch, wear gloves on a bike!
Q: What’s the first thing you do when you start a new position?
A: Find out what everyone in the company does and why they do it. Then figure out how my attributes can fit into each different department to help grow and make it more efficient.
Q: What advice would you give someone wanting to start a career in travel now?
A: Jump in with both feet. It is one of the most diverse and rewarding industries, full of amazing people. Take the time to meet people from all aspects of the travel eco-system and find what resonates with you.
Q: What did the pandemic teach you about yourself?
A: It reinforced just how important having a good culture is. You don’t realise how much you miss it when you can’t be among it.
It also made me realise how important it is to make more time for your family. While working from home for the best part of a year was tough, I saw more of my children than I ever could have hoped, we had a lot of fun most of the time.
Q: Aisle or window seat and why?
A: Aisle. Being tall, it is great to be able to get a leg out into the aisle. Always the middle aisle seat on a widebody aircraft though as there’s only ever one person who needs to get out past you.
Q: What’s the first thing you do when you get into the office?
A: Say hello to anyone who is already in and then get coffee ASAP!!
Q: What are some of your favourite spots around the world and why?
A: I absolutely love the German Christmas markets. I have been lucky enough to do two of our festive themed river cruises now onboard Avalon Waterways.
You can’t beat the lights, smells, glühwein and the amazing food. It really puts you in the Christmas spirit and is so different to Australia and New Zealand at that time of year. It really is a magical experience.
I am also a massive fan of Italy, my favourite country in the world. I was lucky enough to spend a lot of time there when I used to live in London. I love the food, wine and scenery. There are so many fantastic little towns off the beaten path to explore.
I have a bit of an infinity with Fiji too, especially after working for the national carrier for a couple of years. You will never find a warmer welcome than that of a Fijian.
They are beautiful people and their country is amazing. There is so much more to do in Fiji than the flop and drop holiday that most people think of.
Brett Simon, Head of Commercial ANZ, Globus family of brands
Q: How do you think the travel industry is looking at this moment in time?
A: It is certainly an amazing time to be in our industry. The bounce back has been immense but simultaneously, it is a more condensed version compared to what it was three years ago.
In saying that, I think the industry is in a healthier state now than it was previously. There is still a lot of work across the industry to do, especially around attracting more talent to help keep the upward trend tracking.
But overall, what an exciting time to be in our industry at the moment there are so many opportunities for growth.
Q: What are you most looking forward to about working with GFOB in Australia?
A: Working with my hugely talented co-workers in Australia is what I am most looking forward to. Pushing GFOB to new heights in Australia is going to be a fun and inspiring time that I cannot wait to get stuck into.
I am also really looking forward to reconnecting with some old Australian industry friends and connecting with new people I have not had the chance to meet yet.
