WHY IT RATES: TRAVELSAVERS and NEST are fully cognizant of the role supplier partners play in helping advisors build their businesses, and because of this, the two travel marketing organizations are investing in executives who will strengthen and grow these relationships. — Claudette Covey, Executive Retail Editor

TRAVELSAVERS and NEST are deepening their commitment to preferred partner collaboration and agency success by recruiting top industry talent to expand their Supplier Relations team. This strategic investment strengthens the networks’ ability to build deeper, more profitable partnerships that help agencies grow market share, increase revenue and deliver exceptional value to clients.

As part of that growth, the networks welcome Sevi Anagnostis as Senior Director, Supplier Relations. With more than 35 years of experience directing national partnerships, negotiations and revenue growth strategies, she brings a proven ability to unite suppliers and agencies around shared goals that drive measurable results. In her new role, Anagnostis will strengthen relationships with air and car partners, identifying opportunities for mutual growth and helping agencies increase their share of business with those suppliers.

Most recently, Anagnostis served as National Accounts Manager at WestJet Vacations, where she led the growth of a multimillion-dollar portfolio. Her background also includes leadership roles with Carlson Wagonlit Travel, Air Canada, Canadian Airlines and Canadian Holidays.

“These partnerships are fundamental to the value we provide our agencies and expanding our team represents a critical investment in their continued success,” said Nicole Mazza, Chief Marketing Officer, TRAVELSAVERS and NEST. “Sevi’s ability to understand the priorities of both suppliers and agencies will create stronger opportunities for preferred partners while offering advisors even more ways to grow their businesses. Her appointment reflects our commitment to attracting top talent and strengthening an already exceptional team. And with continued investment ahead, we look forward to further enhancing our Supplier Relations group in the near future.”

“Having worked across so many areas of the travel industry, I’ve seen what’s possible when agencies and suppliers are united by a clear strategy and shared goals,” said Anagnostis. “TRAVELSAVERS and NEST enjoy an outstanding reputation for quality agencies and strong partnerships. I’m looking forward to building on that powerful foundation and creating new opportunities that enhance growth for everyone.”

The expansion of the Supplier Relations team includes a new position to provide suppliers with more dedicated, coordinated support while strengthening the programs and benefits available to affiliated agencies. Michael Raffanello has joined as Supplier Relations and Marketing Coordinator, bringing to his role more than five years of experience in multichannel marketing, campaign analysis, event coordination and vendor relations.

TRAVELSAVERS and NEST have cultivated close, long-standing relationships with leading travel suppliers around the world, encompassing a broad range of partnerships to equip affiliated advisors for success. Those include cruise lines, tour operators, hotels, airlines, destination management companies, car rental companies and insurance providers.

Through the strength and scale of the networks, TRAVELSAVERS and NEST secure a variety of valuable benefits from preferred partners. Those include competitive commission levels, exclusive promotions, special offers and value-added client amenities. These advantages help affiliated agencies differentiate themselves, close more sales and build lasting client loyalty.