VP Global Sales & Member Experience, Michael E. White Duarte at Hickory Global Partners and Hickory Solutions365, Michael has retired from his leadership role, leaving a legacy of excellence and innovation. During his tenure, Michael played a pivotal role in driving Hickory’s global sales success and enhancing member experiences. He was instrumental in establishing Hickory Solutions365 as the industry leader in response times, further solidifying Hickory’s reputation for exceptional service. Now, Michael transitions into an exciting new chapter as Senior Global Advisor for Hickory. In this role, he will leverage his extensive industry knowledge and leadership expertise to represent Hickory in various capacities. Michael will serve as a spokesperson at key industry events, contribute to special strategic projects, and foster relationships with partners and stakeholders. His insights and advocacy will continue to elevate the brands’ global presence and influence within the travel industry. Additionally, Michael will maintain a connection with Hickory Global Partners by representing the company in his new appointment to the Advantage Travel Partnership Global Business Board, a strategic role that will enhance collaboration and strengthen partnerships between these industry leaders. This next chapter of Michael’s career underscores his unwavering commitment to the travel industry and his dedication to advancing its growth and innovation.

My teams goal is to wow our membership with an innovative portfolio of products and services that meet the needs of our global membership. In my role as Vice President of Global Sales and Member Experience , I work hand in hand with our current membership to help them succeed in the ever changing competitive landscape.

Michael leads the management team at Hickory Solutions365. We operate a 24/7/365 Travel Fulfillment Center based in Manila, with a specialized team of Travel Advisors providing essential services to our customers.Our team at HS365 offers a wide array of travel services, including but not limited to changing existing bookings, managing airline irregular operations (IROPS), group and meeting ticketing fulfillment, and ARC/BSP back-office accounting reporting. These services are integral to how corporate travel agencies operate, ensuring seamless travel experiences for our clients.

 Given a mandate to maximize revenue and market share with premium revenue streams, taking on Carlson Wagonlit Oil, Gas & Energy, and US Corporate West lines of business.  Drove increases in revenue generation in all account streams, while coaching staff on best practices in presentations, performance analysis, and process management.  Took on strategic roles in projects, including the “Win in Houston” taskforce and the Energy Steering Committee, while acting as the Chief Delta Liaison for senior and strategic relationships.

 Led both account management and sales planning, conducting extensive market and competitor analysis to chart strategies for revenue generation and business growth.  Assessed channel partners specializing in transpacific and Latin America traffic and devised performance motivation tools.  Rolled-out a multi-pronged financial incentive program tied into specific timeframes and performance objectives to increase fulfillment.  Inspired a major operational overhaul of Delta’s transpacific flight from Detroit, personally developing a pricing and sales strategy

 Oversaw a Canadian team and directed sales, business development, marketing, and strategic planning for the specialty channel comprised of national consolidate, ethnic retail agencies, and student travel groups.Created performance measures, processes, reporting tools, and incentive plans to facilitate consistency across the board while establishing harmony across Canadian and US operations as the Chief Liaison.

 Improved the competitive positioning in the marketplace by leading business development strategies to strengthen revenue streams. Managed a sales team of 8, steering training, performance management, and on-going development. Renewed partnerships with key accounts, successfully identifying opportunities for growth to consistently exceed revenue targets, while handling sales, marketing, and account management functions with American Express, World Travel BTI, and Carlson Wagonlit.

 Promoted to grow the Series Group market, driving growth across segments including student and corporate travel, while developing a contract platform to reduce turnaround time for Group Sales contracts.

 Consistently delivered results across business growth and revenue generation, employing innovative, yet pragmatic strategies to build the corporate travel business while managing a departmental budget, forecasting, and cost analysis.