Sydney, 9 March 2026 – Festive Road, the independent consultancy shaping the future of business travel and expense management, has expanded the leadership remit of Mike Orchard, who assumes the role of General Manager: APAC & Global Operations.
The move reflects rising client demand across Asia Pacific, the world’s largest and fastest growing corporate travel region, as organisations continue to invest in APAC-based leadership and global travel, meeting and payment programme capability.
In his expanded role, Mike will lead Festive Road’s Asia-Pacific growth strategy, including client and solution development across the region. He will also continue to lead global operations, be a member of the Leadership Team, and deliver senior level client consulting engagements.
The expanded remit strengthens Festive Road’s client facing leadership capacity, supporting growth and deeper engagement across a highly dynamic and innovative APAC market.
Mike brings a rare 360° view of the business travel ecosystem, shaped over 25 years across airline, TMC, consulting and buyer-side roles on three continents. His career has taken him from British Airways in London, to leading HRG’s global consulting practice, to senior regional leadership with CWT in Australia and Singapore, before “crossing the table” to lead global travel and payments for Macquarie Group and News Corp Australia. A strong advocate for industry innovation and progress, Mike sits on the GBTA APAC Advisory Board and recently helped establish the GBTA Australian Advisory Board.
Mike Orchard commented:
”“Asia Pacific is where we’re seeing some of the most complex and ambitious travel programmes emerge. Clients are investing heavily in regional capability and looking for partners who understand both local dynamics and global governance. This role allows us to be even closer to those clients - supporting growth, shaping strategy and delivering meaningful outcomes in a region that continues to lead our industry forward.”
CEO and CoFounder Caroline Strachan added:
”“Asia Pacific is a strategic growth market for Festive Road and for our clients. Expanding Mike’s role ensures we have senior leadership focused on the region at a time when organisations are rethinking how they structure, govern and invest in their travel programmes across Asia Pacific.”
