Antonio Fellino has been confirmed as managing director of dnata Travel Group-owned OTA Travel Republic, having served in the role on an interim basis since January 2019.
He will be relocating from Dubai to the brand’s UK office in Kingston after eight years, working in various leadership roles within dnata Travel since joining from Thomas Cook where he was head of e-commerce for five years.
Fellino led e-commerce for dnata Travel across the Middle East and India until 2016, with responsibility for all group digital and e-commerce businesses – leading the profitable growth of dnataTravel.com and the expansion of the Emirates Holidays eCommerce proposition across more than 30 territories.
As vice president of B2C e-commerce and retail between 2016-2019, he headed the transformation of dnata Travel leisure in the UAE into a fully integrated omni-channel business that and the management of over 30 travel outlets, six airport ticketing offices, customer care centres, media sales and partnerships, and dnata Sports Travel.
In his new role will continue the delivery of Travel Republic’s digital transformation plan, building further on the improvements to conversion and traffic acquisition already achieved while acting as interim boss.
Fellino said: “I’ve had many happy years in Dubai, but I’m looking forward to returning to the UK to lead the excellent Travel Republic team.
“There’s tremendous potential and opportunity within the business as it emerges from the pandemic, and we’ll be focusing on how we can use technology to build further on the gains we’ve made as a trusted OTA with the customer at its heart, and ensuring their experience is frictionless, secure and engaging.”
Incoming dnata Travel Group chief executive Ailsa Pollard added: “I’m delighted Antonio is joining us in the UK. I’ve been lucky enough to have worked with him during my time in Dubai, and so have seen his passion, expertise and energy in action – and know the Travel Republic team will benefit from him being here in person.
“He has such strong e-commerce pedigree, and I am looking forward to seeing how he applies that to ensure Travel Republic continues on its current upward trajectory.”