Ross Jamieson

Director

A qualified accountant, Ross has over 25 year's experience in Corporate Travel Events, Major Sporting Event Management and arranging and escorting Sports Tours.  He has been involved in the management / operation of every RWC project since 1987, including ticketing, travel, tourism services and the highly regarded Accommodation Bank for the 2011 RWC. This included a stint working for RWC in South Africa for the 1995 event.

Along with Pete, Duncan and Dennis, Ross formed BCD Travel where he heads the BCD Meetings & Incentives (M&E) team, as well as working alongside Duncan on various Sporting Tours. Ross combines a passion for sport and business, with a real interest in people. He has represented Wellington in Colts Rugby, and recently represented New Zealand at the ITU World Triathlon champs in London (age group team) in both London and Chicago.  Ross sits on the Board of Directors of both Wellington Rugby and the Hurricanes, as well as being a Member of the Institute of Directors and a 25 year member of Chartered Accountants New Zealand.  He is heavily involved in the establishment of the Toitu Poneke Community & Sports Hub and provides mentoring assistance to a number of local businesses. Ross is married to Jo Williment, with three very active teenage children.

Duncan Garvie

Director

Duncan’s knowledge and travel industry experience spans more than thirty-five years. With tertiary training and a career in Hotel Management and Catering his original path, he then was with Singapore Airlines as a Sales Executive for five years. In 1985 he joined Mick Williment as his ‘second in command’, soon becoming General Manager of Williment World Travel Ltd. He pioneered tours to the Hong Kong Sevens and to the Bledisloe Cup in Australia and further developed and expanded the All Blacks Supporters Tour concept that Mick had begun. Duncan has been intrinsically involved in all the Rugby World Cup (RWC) projects since the first tournament in 1987 when he assisted on the organising committee for that event. Subsequent RWCs in England, South Africa, Wales, Australia, France and New Zealand have followed. In 1994 upon the untimely passing of Mick, Duncan assumed control of the business.

Duncan and his partners, Peter Barlow, Ross Jamieson and Dennis McEnaney purchased the Business Travel Management Business - BCD Travel NZ in 2010.  Under the new company structure, Duncan’s focus as a Director of BCD Travel is on the development of bespoke arrangements aimed at the Corporate Travel market to major sports events and to the strategic direction of the business.

Rugby and travel are a big part of Duncan’s life. He is President and a Life Member of the Poneke Football Club (est. 1883) and he spent a number of years on the Wellington Rugby Union Executive. Walking, tramping and relaxing at the beach are pastimes that he enjoys with partner Marg and his family outside of Rugby and work.

Dennis McEnaney

Manager

One of the directors at BCD Travel NZ, Dennis (fondly known as D Dog) has been in the tourism industry for 20 years booking corporate, leisure and group travel. A recovering pastry chef, he now spends his time drinking coffee and zooming around Wellington on his motorbike.

Abbie Pallesen

Finance Manager

Abbie is the Finance Manager at BCD Travel New Zealand.  Prior to joining the team she held various finance roles in tax and business advisory before moving into the travel industry working in both the retail (ex Flight Centre) and corporate travel finance arenas.

She is a member of Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand. Originally from the sunny Hawkes Bay area, Abbie decided to make the move down to Wellington to further her career and is now an integral part of the BCD Management team.  She enjoys bringing her financial knowledge to the dynamic travel industry environment and the challenges that brings.

In her spare time Abbie enjoys checking out new travel destinations, keeping fit and getting into the kitchen, baking/trying out new sweet treat recipes.

Ginny Seo

Assistant Accountant

After graduating with her degree in Accounting, Ginny seized the once in a lifetime opportunity to do her biggest OE to date in South & Central America for 6 months. On her return, she was fortunate enough to join the BCD team as an Assistant Accountant in an industry she has a true passion for, where she hopes to further her career as an Accountant.

Outside of work, Ginny can be found attending food & wine/music festivals with her friends, scuba diving and exploring the underwater world, planning her next holiday or playing her favourite Chopin pieces on the piano at home.

Jessica Steciurenko

Business Product Manager

Part of the Management team, Jess is our resident “go to girl” for pretty much anything travel related, whether it’s the booking process, client information or the varied tools we use. Jessica's career in travel began in 1999 and her background in the industry covers many roles, from Consulting to Account Management and now the management of the companies business products/systems. Jess has a happy, calm "can-do" personality and with her broad knowledge is a highly respected member of the team.

Outside of work Jess enjoys travelling to new places, quality time with her family, yoga and having fun outdoors.

Marina Taito

Busines Product Manager

Marina was employed by BCD Travel straight after completing her National Certificate in Travel and Tourism (Level 3).  During her tenure with BCD she has developed into an absolute super star consultant and is extremely diligent, contentious and prompt befor joining the Product team.

In Marina’s spare time she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, playing a variety of sports including basketball and travelling as much as possible.

Becky Va'a

Client Relationship Manager

Becky began her career in Travel in 1999 and has worked exclusively in high end corporate travel both in New Zealand and abroad. Having worked as a consultant, a team leader and an account manager Becky has a very holistic view of corporate travel. Becky is without question, one of those people you would always want in your corner – she is motivated, effervescent, smiley and has a laugh that is absolutely unmistakable (this rings out across the office frequently).

Becky and her husband Justin, are the proud parents of two beautiful young children – Oska and Addison, so for the next few years, free time is a luxury.

Kim Heighway

Client Relationship Manager

Kim’s introduction to the travel industry began in 1999, when she stepped on board the interisland ferry as a cabin attendant.  Kim’s passion for the travel industry lead her to move into sales and account management roles.  Kim focuses on the needs of her clients, striving to provide excellent service.

 Kim is kept busy with her two young boys, any spare time is spent ocean swimming and enjoying coffee.

Marg White

Client Relationship Manager

Marg’s career began in 1985 at the Government Tourist Bureau, before moving on to a Retail Travel Agency.  Marg then travelled for 4 years to Australia and the UK and was employed in the UK for the Hong Kong Tourist Association, using this time to travel extensively throughout England and Europe.  Marg returned to New Zealand in 1991 and worked in the airline industry.  In 1995 Marg moved to Wellington and started her long career with Williment Travel working with Duncan Garvie and Ross Jamieson.  Marg worked as a Project Manager in the Sports Tours side of the business which involved the initial planning, costing, securing of hotels & airlines etc through to the tour leading of both large and small tours.  Marg has worked on a number of the Rugby World Cup projects from 1995, most recently with the Official Accommodation Bank for the Rugby World Cup 2011.  Marg is extremely flexible in the office, taking on various roles as needed.  She brings an extensive array of experience, is a positive and friendly person and enjoys a good laugh.  Marg is married to Gary and in her spare time is kept extremely busy with her four gorgeous children - Ollie, Cam, Hannah & Nicole - Marg does make time to allow herself the odd cheeky Chardonnay!  Marg loves to travel and is a frequent visitor to the Bay of Plenty where her family live.

Ainsley Kelly

Travel Broker, an approved sales person for BCD Travel New Zealand

Ainsley has accumulated 30 years of experience within the corporate travel market and has travelled extensively to a wide variety of destinations. Ainsley’s knowledge and expertise is second to none and is an invaluable asset to her clients and to the BCD team alike.

Looking after her Film industry and VIP clients involves a special understanding of customer expectation and a requirement for absolute confidentiality. Ainsley has a great passion for travel and an enormous ability to cope with any situation and to solving travel related issues.

In her down time, Ainsley can be found exercising her black Labrador, spending time with her family and cooking up a storm, usually with a glass of wine in hand.

From  a Travel Arranger leaving their position:

"I don't ever want to do travel again because I know there won't be someone like you out there who will know EVERYTHING and always be on hand to answer every single annoying question I can think of!"

Alexandra Joyce

Corporate Consultant

After completing her studies at Travel Careers and Training, Alexandra joined the team at BCD Travel.   Alexandra’s initial position in 2011 was Junior Consultant; however within months she had proved her talent, passion and drive.  Alexandra has developed into an outstanding consultant, who is always prompt, friendly and efficient.  She is extremely tech savvy and currently manages a number of our clients who use online booking tools. 

 In her spare time, Alexandra’s alter ego Axel (not a spelling mistake) is an amazing singer with a stunning voice and is a valuable member of Rotaract and also a committee member of the Upper Hutt Summer Carnival.    

 A recent quote from our client survey:

 "Alexandra is always prompt and if anything takes longer than normal she   will email to let me know."

Annabelle Santos

Travel Consultant

Born and bred in Wellington, Annabelle did her time in Auckland, working in the industry from 2007 with Air NZ, Qantas, and corporate travel company APX.  After moving down to Wellington with her husband, she joined the team at BCD in June 2014 where she has been ever since. 

When Annabelle is not busy with her young family, she can be found fattening up her workmates with baked goods made over the weekend.

Quote from a client

 "Awesome you are the absolute BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you so much for putting up with my constant changes you're honestly the best!!!"

Christine Westerby

Travel Co-ordinator - Sports & Events

Christine has been in the travel industry for the past seven years starting with Flight Centre as a leisure consultant where she learnt the ropes and got her first taste for the industry. After 4 years with Flight Centre an opportunity presented itself with Williment Travel in the Events team where she found her passion in group travel. Christine has designed, coordinated and hosted large scale incentive groups to destinations such as Hawaii, Vietnam, Las Vegas and the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Christine feels that the most enjoyable part of working with groups is definitely the relationships built with both customers and clients, and seeing months of hard work behind the scenes come together to create a memorable experience.

Outside of work Christine loves to travel and has a passion for yoga, health and wellbeing.

Darlene Pierson

Corporate Consultant

Darlene firstly made the big move from Invercargill to study at Travel Careers and Training here in Wellington, whilst studying she successfully landed a corporate consultant role at Orbit Travel. After 2 years there she hopped across the road to Corporate Traveller Wellington for 1 year before being offered the opportunity to join our Global team as a current team member was going on maternity leave. Since day one Darlene has fit perfectly into the team and taken on Annabelle’s portfolio as if it were always her own.

A recent quote from our client survey:

 "Thank you so much for your excellent service Darlene. I really appreciate it. You are amazing.  We love Annabelle too just that you have seamlessly fit in and cater to our needs like you have been looking after us for a long time.  Cannot thank you enough. I usually don’t abuse the ‘high importance’ button unless I am in the process of keeping peace, so you made me look good urgently sorting it out. Thank you for having my back. Love your thoroughness"

Helen Rawlings

Senior Consultant

It was with much trepidation that Helen admitted to how long she has been in the Corporate Travel Industry – 25 years and counting was what we settled upon.  At least 14 of those years have been on one of our high profile Film accounts.  The movies she has been involved in range from The Lovely Bones, to Lord of the Rings to most recently The Hobbit.

Outside of work, Helen enjoys spending time with her husband, son and friends and enjoys the odd wine tasting (not sure how often the spittoon is used) event.      

 A recent quote from our client survey:

"I have worked with Helen from July on and she has been the best travel agent I have ever dealt with. We have had some real tough bookings to complete and Helen remained professional, patient and extremely efficient. She goes out of her way to ensure that our VIP government guests received appropriate service.  I am very fortunate to work with an excellent and reliable travel agent such as Helen. I have nothing but good things to say about her and cannot find any skills or points to improve on. It is always a pleasure to deal with her via phone, email or in person."

Karen McDonald

Senior Consultant

Karen or Kaz as everyone knows her, has been in the travel industry for 27 years, all of this as a corporate travel consultant. Karen has spent the last 20 years working with Peter Barlow (BCD MD) and has been an integral part of the various businesses over that time. Kaz is originally from Glasgow and loves watching tennis, cooking and enjoying time with friends. Kaz has travelled extensively around the globe and with this knowledge, and the deep understanding of our business, she is a very special member of our team and a role model to her colleagues.

 A recent quote from our client survey:

"Karen Rocks – really looks after us and works so hard over and above her normal day due to our changing needs day and night. Thank you Karen”.

 

Krystal Bradnock

Team Leader Sports & Events

With 10 years industry experience Krystal’s real specialty is incentive and sport travel.  Krystal has been involved in all elements of the industry from event conception, planning, budgeting, procurement, documents, to the hands-on event management.  Krystal has looked after groups both big and small to many events such as Bledisloe Cups, End of Year Tours, Rugby World Cup, Sevens, Netball World Cup, Motor Racing and even some horse racing!

After a 2 year stint in the UK and Europe, which saw her tour leading in the French Alps, Greece, Germany and many other wonderful places, Krystal returned to Wellington.  As soon as BCD Travel heard she was back in the country, she was approached to take a lead role in our Sport by BCD Travel offering. 

Krystal, or KB, has a wonderfully friendly personality and is always up for a laugh.  As you would expect from a Tour Leader, she takes all situations in her stride and will never apply a one size fits all approach.

Quote from a client

" I just wanted to thank you for the great effort you put into Netball World Cup. You are a champ"

Maree Carson

Senior Consultant

After starting in the travel industry 8 years ago as a leisure consultant, it wasn’t until 2 years ago when Maree joined the BCD team that she found her true love........corporate travel.  Maree manages a variety of clients who travel to some far flung places and enjoys the challenges this brings. When not in the office, Maree enjoys a decent red and forcing people into a sing song at the local karaoke bar.

 A recent quote from our client survey: 

"Maree Carson is a prime example of what Customer Service should be."

Mark Bascand

Leisure Travel Consultant

Mark has been with BCD since October 2012 after spending a bit of time with Williment Event Travel. From the Flight Centre mould Mark loves the challenge of putting together complicated and varied itineraries for our discerning clients. Mark is currently anchoring our Leisure, Groups and Incentive travel portfolio which is a fast growing area of the business.  A well travelled man,  Mark has a great knowledge of the industry and all it has to offer, check the world map to see where he has been, or give him a call to discuss your next holiday.

 A recent quote from our client survey:

"You are the bomb diggity! Totally appreciate all the running around for me. You’re a LEGEND!!!"

Nicky Mein

Tour Coordinator

Nicky has been in the travel industry for over 20 years, working in corporate & leisure travel, but her real passion has been in the Sports & Events area. After working at Williment Travel for many years it was time for a change - she travelled around Europe for 6 months with husband Peter and 2 children; then went back to teaching on her return. But the pull and excitement of the travel industry lured her back and she jumped at the opportunity of a short term contract with BCD Sport working on both the Netball World Cup & Rugby World Cup; that contract lead to a full time position and she’s now more than happy working on school groups and sporting tours all round the world.

In her spare time Nicky keeps herself fit with running and swimming, or exploring the great outdoors with a pack on her back.

Quote from a client

"Thanks to you for the faaabulous holiday we all loved. The organising was awesome and It was great not having to worry about anything. The attention to detail was outstanding - thanks again!!"

Ripeka Ropata

Travel Consultant

After graduating from Sir George Seymour College in 2013, Ripeka began her travel career as a Corporate Travel Consultant at Orbit Travel. She remained with Orbit for three and a half years, cementing her interest for the travel industry. Following this, she was offered a position at Tandem Travel, before joining our Global team at BCD Travel. Her focus is to provide the best possible travel solution to meet her client’s needs.

Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her family, friends and dog.

Sammie Johnston

Tour Coordinator

Sammie started with us on two weeks’ work experience where she impressed us so much we couldn’t let her leave! Sammie was brought into our Sports & Events team as a Junior Tour Consultant right away.

Being fresh from High School and not knowing all that much when she first came into the industry, apart from knowing that this is where she wants to be, the opportunity gave her a serious case of the butterflies but her positive attitude, outgoing personality and enthusiasm has taken over those butterflies and she has learnt so much already. After a busy start to her career Sammie is excited for whatever might come along in the near future.

Outside of the office Sammie likes spending quality time with her family as well as socialising with friends and trying to attend plenty of music festivals. Relaxing is her last priority.

Sarah Billing

Corporate Consultant

Sarah has recently returned to us after living overseas and continuing her travel industry work and travel experiences. Whilst away Sarah travelled extensively around the United States, South America, United Kingdom and Europe. Sarah is a popular member of the team and enjoys a strong rapport with her clients and colleagues and is always going the extra mile to ensure her clients get a first class service.  In her spare time Sarah enjoys keeping fit by hitting the pavements, and if time allows she seeks adventure in the great outdoors and taking in the scenery along the great walks that God Zone has to offer.

Sarah Walsh

Travel Consultant

Sarah first moved to Wellington from Taranaki in 2013 to attend Travel Careers and Training thinking she wanted to be a flight attendant. While studying Sarah realised that she actually wanted to be a travel agent instead and once she graduated she was offered a role at Orbit Corporate travel. Sarah was a part of there for 2 and a half years before getting offered a role in the Global team at BCD.

Outside of work Sarah likes to play sport and spend time with friends.

Shannon Burgess

Travel Consultant

We were lucky enough to steal Shannon at the end of her course at Travel Careers and Training in April 2014.

Fresh from her course, Shannon joined us with enthusiasm and excitement and she has fitted into the team with ease.  Being a Junior Consultant, Shannon’s day is filled with various consulting tasks as well as assisting other teams in the office.

When Shannon is not at work,  she is back at home helping on the family farm!

Ulpa Sami

Senior Consultant

Ulpa started her travel career over 12 years ago in a small leisure based agency. She has since worked her way up the ranks and is the team leader of the Global team at BCD travel. Ulpa will start the day with a bottle of V on her desk which ensures she can run a tight ship at work but still have the energy to make her large Indian family a fresh curry with homemade roti every evening.

 A recent quote from our client survey:

"I would have no hesitation in recommending BCD and Ulpa to others"