Hickory Global Partners Expands Team with Leadership Promotions and Appointments

Delray Beach, Fla. (June 20, 2023) — Hickory Global Partners, an industry-leading global alliance for corporate travel agencies, corporate travel departments and corporations, today announced a leadership promotion and three new hires to its team, effective immediately.

The announcement reflects Hickory’s growth as well as its commitment to the growth and development of its talented team. The promotions and new hires also follow the company’s successful launch of its global travel support center, Hickory Solutions365, and its recent acquisition by the world’s oldest and largest host travel agency, InteleTravel.

“Our recent milestones this year and long-standing history in the corporate travel community are a testament to the incredible work and dedication of our talented and growing team,” said Chris Dane, president of Hickory Global Partners. “We are proud to invest in our people and announce our newest team members and promotions, which are well-deserved and will no doubt contribute to Hickory’s continued success for years to come.”

Hickory’s promotions and new hires include:

• Michael White has been promoted to vice president of global sales and member experience, leading Hickory’s global business development efforts and day-to-day management of the company. White joined Hickory in 2015, bringing more than 30 years of airline and travel industry experience to the team, including tenures at American Express Global Business Travel, Air France, Northwest Airlines and Delta Air Lines. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of California and holds several travel industry accreditations, including Certified Travel Executive from the Global Business Travel Association. 

• Rick Richardson has been named director of global marketing and growth. Richardson is a seasoned marketing professional who has worked at companies across a wide range of industries, including technology, nonprofit, broadcast television and film. His extensive experience in digital and traditional marketing, as well as his work in various sectors, has brought incredible knowledge and a unique perspective to the company. Richardson earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Marketing from Salem State University.

• Frank Pratas has been named director of global call center operations for Hickory Solutions365, the company’s global travel fulfillment center. Pratas has over 35 years of industry experience, with an emphasis on developing customer-centric plans, organizational management, client relations, and customer service initiatives. Prior to joining Hickory, he served in leadership positions with a number of organizations, including Corporate Travel Management, Travel and Transport Inc., and Atlas Travel International. Over the years, Pratas has earned a number of accolades and industry certifications, including Certified Travel Industry Executive (CTIE) from The Travel Institute and the President’s Award from both Travel and Transport and Atlas Travel.

• Gessika Auguste has joined Hickory as hotel and supplier marketing specialist. In her role, Auguste oversees the delivery of key services for Hickory’s supplier network and members, including marketing plans, branding, and webinars. She is also responsible for hotel auditing, administration, and reporting. Auguste has a background in real estate business operations and earned her bachelor’s degree in International Business from Florida International University.

For more information, visit www.hickoryglobalpartners.com.

About Hickory Global Partners

Founded over 40 years ago, Hickory Global Partners is an industry-leading global alliance for corporate travel agencies, corporate travel departments and corporations that delivers unparalleled negotiated discounts and commissions, resources, support, and value that significantly benefits its members, and ultimately, their clients. Hickory Global Partners bridges the gap between members and suppliers and raises the bar on what being a global corporate travel alliance is all about. Its visionary hotel program, robust air program, one-of-a-kind ground transportation program, comprehensive ancillary portfolio and cutting-edge technology and tools, make Hickory Global Partners an important strategic partner in the corporate travel industry. For more information, visit www.hickoryglobalpartners.com.

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Contact:

Rick Richardson

Director of Marketing for Hickory Global Partners

Phone: +1 561.900.3599

Email: rrichardson@hickoryglobalpartners.com