Andy Hedley

CEO of Travelstart

Andy Hedley has been serving as the Managing Director of Travellab since April of 2024, and his leadership has already begun to steer both companies into a new era of growth and innovation. With his extensive experience in the travel and online sectors, Hedley has played a crucial role in shaping the strategic direction of the organizations, ensuring their continued success and positioning them for long-term expansion.

 

Hedley is no stranger to the dynamics of the travel industry, having previously held the position of Head of Technical Business at Travelstart from 2011 to 2015. During that time, he was instrumental in driving the implementation of new products across the Middle East and Africa, while also overseeing initiatives aimed at enhancing customer service. His ability to merge the worlds of travel, technology, and commerce has been a cornerstone of his career.

 

Before rejoining Travelstart, Hedley held significant roles in the travel technology space. From 2015 to 2018, he was the General Manager for Southern Africa at Amadeus, a global leader in travel technology. He then went on to serve as Managing Director of Amadeus for the next six years, where he led innovative projects and expanded the company’s reach in the region.

 

Since returning to Travelstart and Club Travel Group as Managing Director, Hedley has brought his wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the online and travel landscapes to the forefront. His leadership has been marked by a focus on innovation, efficiency, and customer satisfaction, ensuring that both Travelstart and Club Travel continue to redefine the travel experience.

 

Under his direction, the companies have successfully navigated challenges, embraced new technologies, and expanded their reach in the market. Hedley remains passionate about making travel more accessible, efficient, and enjoyable for customers, and his vision for the future continues to drive the company’s success as it adapts to the ever-evolving travel industry.

Sessions

March 13, Thursday
Venue: Innovation City Cape Town  

 

9.55AM – 10.25AM

Africa Travel: Leapfrogging Into The Next Generation

Every business has to find its own groove in a fragmented, fluid market and make their bets on the future. We speak to the different travel models and find out what they are betting on and how they are planning for the future? Where are the opportunities in the new age?

 

Speakers:

Andy Hedley, CEO, Travelstart
Albert Fernando, CEO, Travelwings 

Euan McNeil, Managing Director, Flight Centre (South Africa)

Moderator: Fritz Demopoulos, CEO, Queen’s Road Capital