Virtuoso has appointed Brigid McDonnell as General Manager, Middle East & Africa to spearhead efforts of the network’s further expansion within the region. This is the first time that the luxury travel network has appointed a designated GM for the region.McDonnell is overseeing all operations in the market, including the implementation of a regional business plan, growing and managing a dedicated team, and operating as an on-the-ground reference for the Virtuoso network within the Middle East and Africa. Her appointment to this role was shared during Virtuoso’s Symposium in Dubai last month.
McDonnell comes to Virtuoso with impressive experience in the tourism industry from all corners of the world. Most recently, she served as Trade Executive Director for the Saudi Tourism Authority, in which she led the organisation’s trade strategy for the American markets. She also held roles previously at Disney Destinations in Paris, EMI Meetings & Incentives in Rome and the Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau in Honolulu.“Brigid’s extensive experience in the travel industry, most notably her previous position in Saudi Arabia, makes her a wonderful addition as our leader in the Middle East and Africa markets,” said Michael Londregan, Senior Vice President of Global Operations, Virtuoso. “These regions are as complex as they are unique and beautiful, and having someone like Brigid with firsthand experience and extensive knowledge will increase and enhance Virtuoso’s presence.”McDonnell studied at Southern Illinois University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Communications, as well as the renowned Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, where she participated in the Strategic Alliances and Managing Relationships Program.
Based in Dubai, she joins a strategic team of eight regional general managers who report to Londregan.
