LONDON — Finn Partners has named Debbie Flynn, formerly managing partner of Finn Travel Europe, as global travel practice leader – the agency’s first global practice head to be based outside the US.

Flynn joined the firm in 2018 when the UK travel PR boutique she founded, Brighter Group, was acquired by Finn Partners.

Pre-Covid, Flynn had increased the agency’s travel business in the UK by 70% in two years. As part of her new role, she will continue to lead and expand Finn’s Global Travel Recovery Network, a collective of travel and tourism experts, thought leaders and influencers, focused on supporting travel destinations and brands in recovering and thriving post-pandemic.

Flynn will also spearhead new business development initiatives across the agency’s existing travel groups in the US, Asia and Europe, collaborating with Finn’s health, wellness, public affairs, technology, and corporate social responsibility practices.

Founding partner Peter Finn said the promotion “underscored our international reach and commitment to travel across three continents.” He added: “Debbie’s leadership, highly regarded position as a travel counselor and advisor, and extensive international network, will be instrumental in helping travel and tourism brands build a successful and sustainable roadmap as we move out of Covid-19.”

Flynn takes on the global role after serving as interim global travel lead since the end of last year, when founding managing partner Gail Moaney, who set up the Finn travel practice ten years ago, stepped down for health reasons. She is joined by existing travel practice leadership, including managing partners Virginia Sheridan, who leads New York, and Cathy Chon, who oversees Hong Kong and Shanghai.

Headquartered in New York, Finn has bases in across the US, as well as in Hong Kong, London, Frankfurt, Jerusalem, Munich, Paris, Shanghai and Singapore.