First in Service appoints Gina Gabbard as chief strategy officer

First In Service Ltd. (F1S) has announced the appointment of longtime travel industry veteran Gina Gabbard as chief strategy officer, effective immediately. Gabbard will report directly to F1S CEO Fernando Gonzalez.

In this newly-created role, Gabbard will spearhead the development and execution of strategic initiatives aimed at accelerating growth and profitability across F1S branches, sales and partnerships, and marketing teams, according to a press release. 

With her extensive experience in the travel industry, F1S says Gabbard will play a pivotal role in identifying and further cultivating strategic relationships, monitoring market trends, and driving the organization's strategic direction.

 "As First in Service continues to expand its presence in our three primary travel sectors – corporate, entertainment and luxury leisure travel – in each of the five countries and three continents where we continue to strengthen our presence, we recognize the need for a seasoned strategist to guide our growth initiatives,” said Gonzalez. “Gina Gabbard’s exceptional history of success and deep understanding of the industry make her the perfect fit for this role. We are confident that her leadership will propel F1S to new heights of success."

 Gabbard brings over two decades of experience in travel sales, marketing, and business development – particularly with an industry-leading expertise in travel advisor and supplier relations – to her new position. 

Prior to joining F1S, she served as VP of leisure and Independent Advisors at OvationNetwork, where she oversaw all areas of the multi-million-dollar division, including IC relations, supplier partnerships and the company’s Virtuoso membership. 

Her previous roles include Chief Sales Officer at Lindblad Expeditions; Senior Vice President of Leisure & Independent Advisors at Ovation Travel Group; and Vice President of Leisure Sales at Tzell Travel Group. In addition to her travel agency and cruise experience, Gabbard has also worked in the tour and hospitality segments.

 "I am thrilled to join First in Service at such an exciting time in the company's growth journey," said Gabbard. "F1S has firmly established itself as a leader among the top travel experience companies, and I look forward to leveraging my experience to further enhance the company's strategic initiatives and drive sustainable growth."

 As Chief Strategy Officer, Gabbard will be responsible for developing and executing partnership development strategies, overseeing marketing initiatives to further elevate the stature of F1S in each of the travel marketplaces where it operates, identifying threats and strategic opportunities, and collaborating with the executive team to expand the business.

“We are thrilled to bring Gina and her wealth of travel industry expertise to First in Service. Her appointment underscores our steadfast commitment to innovation and excellence in travel,” Gonzalez noted. “With her strategic vision and leadership, F1S is well-positioned to continue delivering unparalleled experiences to our discerning clientele.”