Global travel management company FCM has been awarded the contract to manage the global travel programme of JTI (Japan Tobacco International), operating in 80+ markets and with a travel and expense budget of $160 million in 2019.
FCM secured the contract following a competitive RFP process conducted in an entirely virtual landscape, due to the onslaught of COVID in March 2020. JTI cited FCM’s global and local business model and culture, its blend of top-of-the-range technology with dedicated travel consultants, and its transparency during the RFP process as the key differentiators which led to FCM’s appointment.
Previously working with 16 individual travel agencies to manage business travel, JTI brought FCM onboard to truly globalise the company, while driving standardisation, savings, compliance and a whole roster of efficiencies via its travel management solutions.
Ciarán Kelly, Managing Director Middle East & Africa at FCM said “The footprint and experience of our network was crucial during the participation in this RFP for MEA and I’m delighted we have been able to deliver to JTI’s expectations.
Marcus Eklund, Global Managing Director, FCM said: “Given a short, 90-day notice period from its largest incumbent we have already succeeded in the initial challenge of bringing 52 countries live in under three months.”
Mike Potter, Travel Services Director at JTI said, “Cultural fit is key; we wanted a TMC who understood JTI and its intricacies. It’s a company that’s changing; we’re moving to a better way of doing business and we really wanted people to understand that, and “local glocal” is a phrase that’s used a lot internally.”
Nichola Rimmer, Global Category Manager Travel & Events said “From the very beginning, we talked through our focuses and implementation plan with FCM. The team were super agile. They knew what was really critical to get this up and running, and what could wait.”
This announcement comes off the heels of FCM’s recent repositioning as an alternative to the traditional service offering of large global TMCs and the digital-only business travel offerings.
