Blair has been involved with the travel industry in New Zealand for nearly 30 years and previously owned Executive Travel before starting Fortis Travel with Mandy. Blair’s proven business acumen and intimate knowledge of the travel industry ensures Fortis remains at the forefront of it. Blair is responsible for the overall direction, strategy and business development of Fortis Travel.

Mandy has more than 30 years’ travel industry experience, particularly specialising in business travel. Mandy’s superior knowledge and unrivalled industry relationships are a key part of our edge over competitors. Mandy intimately understands the intricate details required to ensure clients’ travel plans are delivered flawlessly. Her straightforward, efficient and personable manner see her manage both client and supplier operations with success.

Joelle joined Blair and Mandy in 2016 to establish a separate groups and events business, Fortis Events. With a background in group travel, marketing and communications, she helps bring to life unique experiences for our clients. Joelle loves delivering memorable events both in NZ and overseas, and is passionate about both the events and travel industry.

Jo joined Fortis Travel in April 2014.  She brings over 25 years of corporate travel industry experience to the Fortis family, including two and a half years working in London.

Jo is passionate about building relationships with both travellers and travel bookers, and establishing a strong understanding of her client’s travel requirements.  She thrives on the fast pace of business travel, delivering outstanding customer service and going the extra mile to ensure each traveller has a seamless journey.

Kirstin started in the travel industry 26 years ago after spending a year in Japan. She worked for an inbound tour operator and then went into outbound wholesale. After then moving into corporate travel, she found her place in the world. Kirstin still loves what she does, and in particular enjoys interacting with people from all backgrounds and building friendships with clients over the years.

Kathryn was involved in the travel industry prior to having her children, and returned four years ago. She is one of our holiday travel experts, while also managing a number of corporate portfolios. Kathryn is passionate about travel and people, and enjoys spending time getting to know her clients so she can create the best travel experience possible for them.

Starting his travel career in Sydney in 2007, Steve has had vast experience in both retail and corporate travel, as well as booking large groups and solo adventures. Steve’s passionate about constructing amazing trips for his clients, and gets a real kick out of his role in working with them to create the ultimate holiday each time. With a previous background in hospitality, he not only has an eye for detail and strong communication skills, he can also make a mean mojito.

Caroline started her travel career in the UK in 1989 and is still to this day very passionate about all things travel. Leisure travel is her forte and she continues to develop her skills with her corporate portfolio. Caroline loves designing unique experiences for her clients to make sure they are creating the most fabulous of travel memories.

Sarah-Jane joined Fortis Travel in November 2022. She started her career in 2007 with Qantas before moving into corporate travel in 2010, where her passion lies. Sarah-Jane enjoys the variety of her role at Fortis Travel, from individual travel itineraries to the challenge of large groups, whilst maintaining meaningful relationships with all her clients.

Mika joined Fortis Travel in 2023, having been indirectly affiliated with us as a broker for many years prior. She has been working in the travel industry for over 20 years, in leisure, wholesale and corporate. Having lived and worked in England, Germany, South Africa, the US and Australia, Mika eventually settled in New Zealand to raise her family. This international experience gives Mika the depth and knowledge to service your corporate needs and preferences with acumen and expertise.

Emma-Jane joined Fortis Travel in February 2024. She brings 15 years of travel industry experience, from Air New Zealand to corporate travel prior to Covid, before returning to the travel industry this year to join the Fortis Family.  

Emma-Jane is passionate about travel and people. She thrives to deliver a high standard of customer service to her clients, and works hard to meet their expectations and requirements to ensure all their travel experiences are memorable.

Marianne has been a travel consultant since the mid-90s. She started as a corporate and groups consultant, but these days she prefers being a leisure consultant. Her work philosophy has always been to work for the client ensuring they have the best holiday possible holiday for their travel dollars.

Marianne is also a Master Cruise Consultant with CLIA, so has a wealth of knowledge for cruising holidays as well as land based holidays.

Baz is our Fortis concierge and Head of security.  Hailing from South Auckland, Baz considers his role in keeping the Fortis team safe and entertained a very serious one. 

On the weekends Baz can be found hanging out with his family and chasing tennis balls.  Baz dreams of a forest full of rabbits and bowl full of roast chicken.  Whos a good boy?

Jo joined the Fortis Events team in 2019.  With a background in hospitality, hotel sales and event management spanning over 25 years. Jo loves the diverse range of people she gets to meet and deal with in her role, along with the opportunities of working in some amazing places and venues to deliver outstanding customer experiences and events.

Nicolette joined Fortis Events in 2017, and has over 20 years experience across event management, communications, marketing and public relations. She has lived and worked in countries as diverse as Japan, Qatar and the Seychelles. She enjoys the variety and creativity of her role at Fortis, including writing customer journey content, event planning, account management, and delivery of events.

Evelyn graduated from University of Auckland in 2007 with a degree in Commerce. Since then she has worked in a variety of accounting and finance roles before moving into financial management and budgeting. Evelyn provides and interprets data to guide decision making for both Fortis and our clients, and finds her role both exciting and rewarding.

Jean graduated from University of Auckland in 2004, with an Accounting degree in Commerce. Since then she has gained extensive experience working in accounting, finance and administrative roles. Jean is currently assisting our Account Manager in finance duties.