Michelle Degenhardt has been appointed to the newly created role with the group; she will be based at Flight Centre’s global head office in Brisbane, reporting to global head of risk and sustainability Brett Anderson.

In her new role, Degenhardt will work with colleagues at all levels of the business "to help ensure the company’s business practices are economically, environmentally and socially sustainable".

This will see her collaborate with the group’s senior leadership team, its employees, leisure and corporate customers, suppliers and other stakeholders "to further develop and oversee the execution of strategies to deliver on the organisation’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) objectives".

Degenhardt has worked for Flight Centre for 17 years and previously served as the company’s culture and employee engagement leader, with oversight for the Flight Centre Foundation.

During her time with the group, Degenhardt has been involved in various sustainability-related issues, including development of the company’s responsible travel charter and the creation of a head office recycling and waste reduction initiative.

"Sustainability is an area that is extremely important to our company, our people and our leisure and corporate customers,” said Flight Centre managing director Graham Turner.

“While we have always had a strong commitment to operating sustainability, as evidenced by the vast array of programmes and initiatives that are deeply embedded within our organisational culture, we are committed to enhancing our record in the future.

"Michelle’s appointment to this newly created role underlines this commitment and follows the release of our first sustainability report earlier this year."