FCTG Establishes AI Centre of Excellence; Adrian Lopez Appointed Head of AI for Corporate

Dark/Light Mode
(12/12/23)
 Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG), one of the
world’s largest travel management companies, has
established a global division that will focus on promoting, adopting and integrating
artificial intelligence technologies into the company’s corporate
divisions.

The ‘AI Centre of Excellence’ has been created to revolutionise FCTG’s
flagship business travel divisions Corporate Traveller and FCM by
enriching customer experiences, boosting employee productivity and
more.

Adrian Lopez

Most recently working as Global Chief Technology
Officer for FCM Digital, Adrian Lopez has been appointed as Head of AI for Corporate, leading
a dedicated team of technical experts responsible for laying out
the shared corporate vision for AI within the organisation.

Adrian and a specialised team will implement best
practices and provide research, support, and training around AI,
with a focus on improving efficiency and driving value to new and
existing clients. They will look to find ways to seamlessly
integrate the technology into the operations of the company’s
business travel divisions Corporate Traveller and FCM.

“I’m beyond excited for this next chapter in my career with FCTG
and to further push the boundaries of technology in travel,”
Adrian said. “The disruptive benefits of AI will enable us to
work more efficiently, identify new ways to service our clients,
and reach the next generation of business travellers. The launch
of the ‘AI Centre of Excellence’ is another significant step and
milestone to add to the company’s already decorated history of
innovation.”

A travel technology pioneer, Adrian has over a
decade of industry experience. In 2014, he co-founded the
corporate travel tool SAM, a mobile AI-powered app that operates
as a 24/7 virtual travel assistant, helping business travellers
manage their trips.

FCTG made an initial investment
in Sam in 2017, which was followed by a full acquisition in 2019.
After the ownership transition, Adrian officially joined the FCTG
team, where he has helped oversee the integration of Sam’s
capabilities across various corporate travel products, while also leading the development of the new FCM Platform.

“In
today’s ever-changing digital world, we recognise the tremendous
potential with AI and ways it can transform our work,” said John
Morhous, Global Chief Experience Officer of FCTG’s Corporate
Brands. “As we continue to evolve and grow as a business,
we’re thrilled for the opportunity to open this new ‘AI Centre of
Excellence’, as well as appoint Adrian into this new leadership
role. With his expertise, deep insights, and proven track record
in technology innovation, Adrian will be integral to our success
in this space, both today and in the years ahead.”

Located
in Greece, Adrian will report into U.S.-based Morhous, effective immediately.

Latest
exclusive video interviews: 

13 HD Video Interviews from Routes World 2023 in Istanbul, Türkiye.