Rachael Knowles began her FCTG journey in 2013, fresh out of the world of journalism, looking for a way to earn some cash after realising her career as a local reporter wasn’t paying the rent. Rachael saw it as the perfect opportunity to combine her love of travel with the chance to work for one of the world’s biggest travel brands.
She started as a Travel Consultant at the Oxford Street Hyperstore in the UK and immediately fell in love with the vibrant, travel-obsessed culture. Talking about travel all day was a dream come true. Within 1.5 years, Rachael was promoted to Assistant Team Leader at the Monument Hyperstore, where she managed both retail clients and a growing portfolio of FCBT clients.
Her days were filled with crafting dream holidays and building solid relationships with SME clients, keeping the work dynamic and exciting. The support of an inspiring Team Leader helped her grow her leadership skills, and she was soon rewarded with a FAM trip to Queensland, Australia, which solidified her love for Flight Centre’s culture of recognition, learning, and adventure.
Rachael Pictured on her FAM trip to Australia
After 4.5 years, Rachael decided it was time for her next adventure and moved to Dubai in 2017. She transitioned from travel to hospitality, taking on the role of Internal Communications Manager at Atlantis, The Palm. While she embraced the new industry, the values and culture she experienced at Flight Centre continued to influence her. The fun, growth, and recognition that defined her time at FCTG inspired how she shaped employee experiences and company culture in her new roles. The spirit of adventure she embraced at Flight Centre still fuels her passion for creating incredible experiences for her colleagues.
In 2024, Rachael applied for the role of Head of Internal Communications EMEA, and she knew exactly what she wanted to say. For a year or two, she had allowed herself to imagine the role becoming available, so when the opportunity finally arose, it felt like fate.
“Once a Flightie, always a Flightie,” she says, reflecting on how the culture and values of Flight Centre had stayed with her.
Rachael was thrilled when she was told she was successful in securing the role. She returned to the UK in September 2024, where she now leads the Internal Communications EMEA team within People + Culture. Her team plays a key role in shaping the employee experience across the region, using targeted communication channels, organising fun and inspiring events (because work hard, play hard, right?), and driving engaging, strategic comms campaigns.
Rachael feels that her FCTG career has truly come full circle. Her time as an entry-level Travel Consultant set her up for success in her current role, and she knows she wouldn’t have the same perspective without those first few years on the front line.
“I don’t think I’d have the lens I have now on how it feels to be a frontline employee if it wasn’t for those first few years,” she says.
As a Communications Leader, Rachael loves being able to put herself in the shoes of the internal consumer, asking the critical questions around channels, content, and strategy.
“To be able to time-travel back to the days when I was a consultant and use that to shape our content strategy today is a really unique and enjoyable position to be in.”
This experience gives her a special edge in her role, allowing her to craft communications that resonate deeply with employees.
Rachael expresses that she continues to experience a culture at FCTG that celebrates authenticity, values individuality, and fosters both personal and professional growth. Whether you’re passionate about travel or eager to develop new skills, it’s a place where you can thrive, be yourself, and unlock your full potential.
What sets FCTG apart is its people-first approach and a spirit of fun. You’ll join a supportive, dynamic company that works hard, celebrates wins, and knows how to have a good time. With career progression, travel perks, and top-tier training, FCTG provides everything you need to succeed.