Mike Foster, president of Nexion Travel Group-Canada and a 45-year travel industry veteran, is stepping down at the end of the year.
“This is perhaps the best time for me to step down from this role,” said Foster, who is based in London, Ontario.
“I do so with nothing but pride in the work that I have been a part of, and confidence in a company that I know is on the path to a very bright future. My colleagues are truly the best in the industry.”
Hired in 1981 to open a travel agency, Foster later became its owner. After Nexion Travel Group acquired it, he led its growth into one of the region’s largest agencies, serving leisure, corporate, group, and independent contractor agents since 2013.
Foster has been a long-standing board member of both the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies and Travel Advisors (ACTA) and the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO).
“Working with Mike has been a privilege,” said Jackie Friedman, president of Nexion Travel Group. “Over his long career, he has helped hundreds of people start their own travel businesses, making our company and our industry stronger and more diverse. He has played a tremendous role in the continued growth and success of Nexion Travel Group-Canada. We are all indebted to him for his outstanding leadership.”
"As all of us in the industry know, no matter how nice the hotel, there comes a time to check out," Foster said in a note he said to Nexion advisors announcing his departure.
"From my first flight to Europe when my family moved to France 60 years ago, it seemed inevitable that I would join the travel industry" he said. "My 45-year journey has been filled with work I love, people I admire and memorable travel experiences with those closest and most important to me.
"My journey began on a whim after a bike trip across Europe and took flight after a chance encounter with a client at my first travel job. That moment led to opening a travel agency, which has since grown into one of Canada’s largest and most successful, now supporting nearly 600 advisors nationwide," Foster said. "I am humbled and grateful to have played a small part in this journey.
"While I don't take credit for much in my career, I do have a good sense of people. Starting in 1980 with the best, I've been fortunate to work alongside top talent throughout my career. Many have been with me since before we became Nexion Travel Group-Canada, and will continue with the company long after I leave.
"Today," Foster said, "our industry and company are experiencing their best years ever. I will be stepping down with full confidence that the company is on the right path and has a bright future ahead—so bright, I might just be looking to join one of you. I can always lead wine tours!
"To every advisor at Nexion Travel Group-Canada, all across this great country of ours, I want to express my deep appreciation for all you've contributed to our mutual success. Whether I've met you in person or have only seen your initials on a Zoom screen, I thank you. Our success wouldn't have been possible without each of your efforts, no matter the size of your business. At Nexion, we always say that your success is our success, and that's never felt more true to me than it does now" he said.
"Though I've been fortunate to be part of such a great team, nothing in my life would be possible without the love and support of my amazing wife, Cristina, my two wonderful children and a family that nurtured my passion for exploration and curiosity beyond the small town where I was born, encouraging me to connect with people different from myself.
"Everything we do is in the service of our members. While I’m proud of our company’s beginnings, one of my greatest achievements has been helping nearly 2,000 people start their own travel businesses, many of whom were new to the industry. I'm especially proud that so many of these individuals are women and people who don’t look like me. I’ll always be cheering for each of you as you find success with our great company."
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