JOHANNESBURG – Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) has announced that on April 1, 2025, the appointment of Herman Horns as general manager of the Corporate Traveler South Africa, Effects. Hanes will take corporate travelers to the next stage of growth and take the growth stage for corporate travelers with a focus on innovation and operational business themes.
According to a recent Corporate Traveler and GBTA report, as travel costs continue to rise, 63% of SMEs cite costs as their biggest problem. Against this backdrop, Heunes' leadership is important in helping small businesses navigate these challenges through technology-driven efficiency and professional business travel management.
“Herman has been instrumental in shaping the success of corporate travelers in South Africa,” said Bonnie Smith, retired general manager and newly appointed Head of Corporate Travelers UK. “His deep understanding of the needs of small and medium-sized businesses, combined with his ability to promote innovation and build high-performance teams, makes him the ideal leader to bring South Africa to the next chapter.”
Heunes joined Corporate Traveller in 2012 and has built an impressive track record across multiple leadership roles, from team leaders to operations leaders. His leadership has helped drive efficiency, customer satisfaction and strategic growth. This is all important factor in the competitive SME travel market.
“As someone who has tweaked operational efficiency and enhanced customer service delivery over the years, I'm excited to build on this momentum,” says Heunes. “My experience has allowed businesses to understand what travel partners need: seamless support, cost-effective solutions, and a proactive approach to evolving travel demand.”
With rapid advances in travel technology, automation and data-driven decision-making, Heunes sees a clear opportunity to enhance the provision of corporate travelers to small and medium-sized businesses in South Africa.
“One of the most important changes in corporate travel today is the acceleration of digital transformation,” Heunes said. “Technology is changing the way businesses book travel, as well as how they monitor costs, manage policies and support travelers on the streets.”
However, Heunes firmly believes that technology should enhance human expertise.
“Business trips are more than just a transaction. It's about people. Technology allows for efficiency, but the real differentiator is services,” says Heunes. “In corporate travelers, it's about ensuring that clients get the right tools for control and saving, along with expert support when they need them the most.”
Moving forward, Heuns is committed to helping small businesses ensure increased personalization, efficiency and cost management while optimizing their travel programs.
“We know that small businesses need flexibility, simplicity and travel solutions that truly support their business goals,” added Heunes. “Corporate travelers are built for businesses that need travel partners that understand their challenges and can quickly adapt to their needs.”
Heunes officially assumes his role on April 1, 2025, taking over Bonnie Smith, who will transition to her new leadership position at Corporate Traveler UK.
“It's extremely exciting to step into my new role at Corporate Traveler UK,” Smith said. “I'm proud of everything I've achieved here over the years, but I know that I'm leaving South African corporate travelers in competent hands with leaders who really understand what it takes to promote success.”
