FCm Travel Solutions has announced a restructure of its partner network in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). 

The global travel management company has split its EMEA network into two separate regions. 

Europe which includes over 30 partners now forms one area, while Middle East and Africa (MEA) has become a stand-alone region with 14 locations.

New network leaders have been appointed for each region.

Former FCm regional manager Central Europe, Franziskus Bumm is taking on the role of general manager for Europe based in Frankfurt.

He joined DER Business Travel in Germany in 2003 as manager technology development and sales.

DER became FCm’s German partner in 2006 and Bumm was responsible for bringing the FCm brand to market.

Ciarán Kelly, who has held the post of FCm’s UK general manager since 2010, and various senior sales roles within FCm prior to that since 2005, is moving into the role of general manager of the MEA network, based in Dubai.

Franziskus Bumm and Ciaran Kelly take over from FCm’s current general manager of EMEA, Brian Donnelly who is retiring on June 30th, 2012.

FCm global leader Gregory Lording said the combination of Brian Donnelly’s retirement and recent growth in FCm’s network presented a timely opportunity to restructure the EMEA regions.

“With FCm actively looking at further partner growth opportunities in MEA over the next few years, it’s timely that we establish separate management and network structures for both regions to ensure that as we expand, our travel and account management teams can continue to deliver high-quality service to customers across our network,” said Lording.

“The changes will help our teams to more effectively meet the specific requirements of clients and unique industry needs of the European and MEA corporate travel market.”

As part of the new structure Franziskus Bumm and Ciarán Kelly will oversee FCm’s partnership programme in Europe and MEA, and have a strategic focus on network operation, management, services and account management.

They will be responsible for the selection of new FCm partnerships with local travel companies in each market as well as focussing on service consistency by ensuring network partners work within FCm’s global operating standards, brand guidelines and preferred supplier programmes.

They will work closely with Brian Donnelly during the transition phase between now and June 30th.

Brian Donnelly’s decision to retire follows a lengthy and remarkable career in the travel industry and with FCm.

Since joining FCm in 2004 as the regional director of network development based in the UK, Donnelly has secured more than 28 leading European travel companies as FCm partners.

FCm’s UK corporate managing director, Steve Norris said: “Brian has played a pivotal role in the success, growth and development of FCm’s network throughout Europe and the Middle East.

“His knowledge of local markets, ability to identify new opportunities and passionate leadership style has been an inspiration to all staff and of course FCm partners that have come on board during his tenure.”