Nexion Travel Group Expands Executive Team with Promotion, New Hire

Nexion Travel Group has expanded its executive team with the promotion of Heather Kindred to senior vice president and the naming of Laura Bjorne as vice president of business operations.

Kindred previously served as Nexion’s vice president of business development and education & partner relations, as well as the founding director of Travel Leaders of Tomorrow. In her new role, she will have the day-to-day responsibility of leading the Host agency’s business development, marketing, and partner relations teams.

She will also continue her role as program director for Travel Leaders of Tomorrow, a placement and training program for travel advisors who are new to the industry.

Kindred began her career as a corporate and leisure travel advisor before discovering a passion for teaching and mentoring new travel professionals. She has previously worked at AAA Washington, Carlson Wagonlit, and Holland America Line.

Bjorne, who will lead the company’s information technology initiatives, comes to Nexion with more than 30 years of experience across the IT and travel agency industries. She began her career coding booking data on a NASA-funded project, an initiative that evolved into a privately held business specializing in booking engines for travel agencies and airports.

In 2009, she joined Conlin Travel, the Midwest’s largest privately held travel management company, as chief technology officer.

“I’m thrilled with the appointment of these two highly experienced professionals who will help us meet the challenges we face in a constantly evolving industry,” said Jackie Friedman, VTA, CTIE, president, Nexion Travel Group. “Heather plays a key role in ensuring that our travel advisors have the best marketing, business development and education and training tools as well as deep relationships with our supplier partners. Laura’s appointment means that we will stay ahead of the curve on new technologies, including artificial intelligence, metric-driven processes, and the latest workflow solutions. Together, they will help Nexion’s already strong team assist our advisors in growing their businesses and continuing to provide a high level of service to their clients.”