The Co-founders have been involved from the start in 2000 and remain active in the daily business. Executive Edge Travel is their life.
Co-founders
Sally Bird
- Bachelor of Business Management – Monash University
- Diploma of Travel and Tourism
- 20 years Corporate and Leisure Travel Consultancy experience as Senior Consultant/Manager
As one of the three Co-founders of Executive Edge Travel, I lead the corporate team and also cater to high-end leisure clientele. This business is my life and I call it my third child. My early years’ education was in the United Kingdom, after which I returned to Australia to complete my VCE with honours at Melbourne Girls Grammar School. I received a Bachelor of Business Management from Monash University and then obtained a Certificate 111 in Tourism International Travel Sales from Jetset Travel College. Prior to starting Executive Edge, I worked for 8 years as a Domestic & Senior Travel Consultant and Customer Service Manager for prestigious travel firms. I’ve been fortunate to be recognised throughout my career for outstanding sales and have won multiple industry awards in sales and customer service.
My speciality areas include Southern France, Bali, Thailand, New York, Italy, Singapore and Hong Kong but I consider Africa my true expertise which also represents my personal travel style – lux but eco-conscious. Africa embodies the most awe-inspiring place in the world in my opinion. And every time I return, the continent’s rawness, magic and authenticity never fails to amaze me. I can say with confidence that I could suggest the perfect bespoke African itinerary for any occasion for groups, individual travel, seniors or couples.
Gary Reichenberg
- Bachelor of Business (Accounting), Swinburne University, Melbourne
- Chartered Accountant and Consultant for 4 years with Ernst & Young, Melbourne
- Chartered Accountant for 4 years with Crown Casino, Melbourne
- Chartered Accountant for 6 years with Polygram Records, Melbourne
As a Co-founder of Executive Edge Travel since its inception in 2000, I’ve dedicated the last 16 years to building our company to become one of the largest privately-owned travel management companies in Victoria. My fellow Co-founders Sally Bird and Yvonne Verstandig and I all remain active in the daily business. Executive Edge was also a Co-founder of CT Partners, the most significant independent travel agency consortium in Australia, where I continue to serve as a Board member.
With a background in finance as a Chartered Accountant, I previously worked for Ernst & Young, Polygram Records, Crown Casino and HRG (formerly BTI Travel) in senior finance positions and bring this fiscal expertise to Executive Edge. In charge of the finance, administration and corporate governance of Executive Edge, I provide strategic direction for the company and steer the development of products, solutions and services which support the long term acquisition and retention of corporate clients. In addition, I serve as the company’s representative with our global alliance partner Radius Travel.
My core values which I live by are innovation, action, respect, customer service and teamwork. Time away from the office is spent in warm coastal regions with my family on holidays which combine high-intensity adventure and relaxation. Water is my serenity. I grew up in South Africa, so I relish any opportunity to return to its rugged coastlines. In particular, my family and I love the beaches of Australia, the South of France, and the Caribbean mixed in with the cultural diversity of Europe and the Middle East.