Adventure World has recruited Anna Burgdorf as its Head of Product. Bringing over three decades of unparalleled expertise in brand strategy, product development, and commercial marketing, this pivotal addition completes Adventure World’s Core Executive Team.
Burgdorf will spearhead Adventure World’s customer-centric product development and innovation growth strategy, focusing on elevating the brand’s unique global experiences. The appointment ushers in a new era of travel innovation for the TTC-owned company.
“We are delighted to welcome Anna to the team,” said Neil Rodgers, Adventure World, Managing Director. “Her extensive experience and leadership will be pivotal in evolving and expanding our product suite. Anna’s comprehensive grasp of consumer preferences, combined with her dedication to impactful travel, directly supports our forward-looking vision.”
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Burgdorf’s distinguished career is marked by significant achievements in the luxury travel sector. Her most recent role was General Manager of the Luxury Travel Collection (LTC) brand within the Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG). In this capacity, she was instrumental in launching and scaling this start-up consortia, meticulously developing and deploying its brand, product, and commercial strategies to drive substantial profit and growth.
Prior to LTC, she served as General Manager Brand and Marketing for Travel Associates, FCTG’s national luxury travel agency division. In this role, she spearheaded the strategic repositioning of the brand, successfully transforming it from a ‘premium’ market player to an undisputed ‘luxury’ market leader.
Before her impactful six years with FCTG, Burgdorf spent 21 years with the German-based global carmaker, Audi, where she served as Marketing & Communications Director. Her responsibilities included product
launches for luxury vehicles, brand strategy, strategic partnerships, sponsorships, and corporate communications.
“Among the extraordinary travel experiences I have been fortunate to have, a 2024 Adventure World-curated trip to Vietnam with my daughter provided me with incredible consumer insight into the value of the immersive experiences, destination knowledge, and talent of this brand,” commented Burgdorf. “Adventure World has such a strong heritage and an equally bright future, and I’m looking forward to being part of that phenomenal growth.”
She emphasised, “There’s no doubt that travellers are consciously seeking immersive experiences that provide deep connection with the destinations they are visiting. Having had the opportunity to participate firsthand in some of Adventure World’s MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experiences, including the change-making partner Animals Asia, it’s clear that giving back to the community and paying homage to the environment are central to the Adventure World business ethos.”
Meanwhile, Adventure World, has also welcomed Emily Fernandes as its New Zealand National Sales Manager. This newly created strategic role underscores the company’s commitment to growth in the New Zealand market. Fernandes will report directly to Elsa McLean, Head of Sales and will be based in New Zealand.
Fernandes brings a wealth of experience and passion for travel and adventure to her new role. Her career journey reflects a deep-seated love for exploration, making her an ideal fit for Adventure World’s mission.
“Travel, exploration, and adventure are the building blocks of who I am,” Fernandes remarked. “These values run through my veins, making me feel most alive. To merge passion and career is a wonderful life hack, and I’m grateful to have had the opportunities to weave both travel and adventure into my work.”
