Funlab executive Oonagh Flanagan joins WebJet in new Chief Marketing Officer role

Looking to enter a “new era of brand growth and digital innovation”, The Webjet Group has appointed Oonagh Flanagan as its first Chief Marketing Officer in Australasia.

In her new role, Flanagan will oversee the marketing strategy for Webjet OTA in Australia and New Zealand while also spearheading loyalty initiatives across Webjet Group.

She joins Webjet Group having been Global Chief Marketing Officer at Funlab since June 2021.

Announcing Flanagan's appointment, WebJet advised that she will play a “key role” in advancing the Group’s FY30 strategic priorities across marketing, loyalty, digital platforms and e-commerce - including steering a refresh of it Webjet OTA brand, set to launch later this year.

The appointment of Flanagan, who is described as having over 20 years’ experience in marketing and leadership - is advised being a milestone in Webjet Group’s plan to double Total Transaction Value (TTV) and redefine the travel experience through digital innovation.

With technology central to this transformation, Flanagan’s role will focus on harnessing data-driven insights and advanced marketing technologies to enhance how Webjet connects with customers across Australasia. This includes exploring pathways for how artificial intelligence can further improve marketing efficiency, personalisation, and productivity.

Commenting on this, Webjet Group Chief Executive and Managing Director, Katrina Barry noted “Webjet Group is doubling down on its strategic priorities as a standalone, ASX-listed travel leader.

“Marketing plays a pivotal role in this new strategy, driving customer growth, increasing top-of-mind awareness, powering loyalty, and shaping the evolution of our brand. Oonagh’s appointment signals our commitment to this vision. She brings the energy, creativity, and proven leadership needed to help elevate Webjet to the next level.”

Welcoming her new role, Flanagan added “Webjet has long been a well-loved, homegrown Aussie icon, but it’s never felt more energised or ambitious than it does today,” said Flanagan. “This is a business with strong foundations, a bold vision and agenda, and a team that’s bursting with passion and ambition.

"As an avid traveller, I believe the holiday starts the moment you’re inspired, and I can’t wait to help ignite that spark for all Webjet customers.”

The Digital Nation publication reported that Funlab's technology and digital transformation work, which includes AI experimentation plans, has been moved to its Chief Technology Officer, Ben Wild.

Image: Oonagh Flanagan. Credit: The Webjet Group.