Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Maja Gudelj

New York

Summary

Experienced leader with strong background in guiding teams, managing complex projects, and achieving strategic objectives. Excels in developing efficient processes, ensuring high standards, and aligning efforts with organizational goals. Known for collaborative approach and commitment to excellence.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work History

Vice President

Olive Tree Escapes
06.2024 - Current
  • Cultivated strong relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, vendors, industry leaders, and travel trade members.
  • Led cross-functional teams for the successful completion of major projects, resulting in increased efficiency and client satisfaction.
  • Demonstrated proficient leadership skills to motivate employees and build a competent team.
  • Managed financial planning and budgeting processes, ensuring fiscal responsibility and maximizing return on investments.
  • Negotiated contracts that maximized profitability.
  • Developed new revenue streams by identifying growth opportunities and forging strategic partnerships with key industry players.
  • Established a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging my team to develop their skills within their own interests.
  • Identified opportunities to improve business process flows and productivity.
  • Worked as the point of reference between the developers and our team on the custom software for itinerary design and operations management.
  • Built a high-performance team that excels in their day-to-day tasks and helps the company grow.

Senior Director, Business Development

Olive Tree Escapes
06.2017 - 06.2024
  • Cultivated productive customer relationships based on in-depth business knowledge and top-notch service
  • Employed direct or business-to-business sales approach focused on new business acquisition to exceed sales targets
  • Attended trade shows to represent company and market business services
  • Connected with customers, serviced accounts and completed regular follow-up to consistently achieve sales targets
  • Actively prospected for new sales leads and business opportunities across the entire US territory
  • Hosted FAM trips bi-annualy
  • Prepared and forecasted budgets and expenditures
  • Created informative presentations to deliver polished information and connect with audiences

Director - Business Development & Croatia Travel

Select Italy
05.2014 - 05.2017
  • Developed a new product line within the existing brand
  • Sourced reliable travel partners on the ground and negotiated contracts
  • Attended B2B and B2C tradeshows to promote the company
  • Developed B2B marketing strategies with the Director of Marketing, including annual budgeting
  • Trained the team on new product line
  • Organized and hosted the company's first ever FAM (familiarization) trip

Sales Consultant

Select Italy
06.2013 - 04.2014
  • Learned how to design itineraries, taking into consideration client's style of travel, preferences, and budget
  • Provided information and general consultation over the phone
  • Worked on perfecting the final documents, double checking the details provided by the Operations Team and making sure all reservations have been made
  • Provided support before, during, and after the trip
  • Followed up with customers to secure satisfaction, producing referrals and add-on sales opportunities
  • Met and exceeded sales goals and targets

Production Department Assistant

Select Italy
05.2011 - 05.2013
  • Managed and maintained website contents and pricing suggestions
  • Researched and developed new products and new suppliers
  • Created and maintained business relationships with international suppliers
  • Negotiated contracts, attractive offers and margins
  • Researched and composed materials and articles for the newsletter
  • Prioritized and drove operational improvements
  • Attended Tradeshows and workshops to review information and processes with existing partners, develop promotional ideas, and cultivate new supply relationships

Intern

Select Italy
08.2010 - 12.2010
  • Managed and maintained website contents and pricing suggestions
  • Researched and developed new products and new suppliers
  • Created and maintained business relationships with international suppliers
  • Negotiated contracts, attractive offers and margins
  • Researched and composed materials and articles for the newsletter
  • Occasionally provided customer service over the phone

Student Athlete

Stony Brook Swim Team
09.2007 - 05.2010
  • Three years as division I student-athlete on a full athletic scholarship
  • Involved in many community service events throughout the year
  • Displayed leadership abilities within the team while illustrating time management skills
  • Devoted 20 hours per week to training plus travel

Intern

Stony Brook University Hospital
10.2009 - 12.2009
  • Created Insurance Compensation
  • Data Analysis in Excel, based on the data collected by the department
  • Compared data with the ones of other leading university hospital centers
  • Learned how hospitals operate and work with the insurance companies

Junior Stewardess

Privately Owned Motor Yacht
09.2007 - 05.2007
  • Organized activities on and off board
  • Provided babysitting services when needed
  • Planned on board events, such as semi-formal dinners and gatherings
  • Performed housekeeping and meal serving duties

Education

Bachelor of Science - Business Management, Operations Management, Political Science - International Relations, Italian Studies

Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY

Skills

  • 10 Years in the Travel Industry
  • Industry recognition (Travel Agent Central 30 Under 30, Travel Pulse 40 Under 40 Honoree)
  • Proven track record in sales (year-over-year growth)
  • Excellent relationships with the travel advisor community
  • Experience in developing the business from the start-up phase through growth to success
  • Exceptional organizational skills managing a multi-national team across several time zones
  • Loyalty and longevity in each role and company
  • Experience with building travel software from scratch and working closely with the development team

Timeline

Vice President

Olive Tree Escapes
06.2024 - Current

Senior Director, Business Development

Olive Tree Escapes
06.2017 - 06.2024

Director - Business Development & Croatia Travel

Select Italy
05.2014 - 05.2017

Sales Consultant

Select Italy
06.2013 - 04.2014

Production Department Assistant

Select Italy
05.2011 - 05.2013

Intern

Select Italy
08.2010 - 12.2010

Intern

Stony Brook University Hospital
10.2009 - 12.2009

Student Athlete

Stony Brook Swim Team
09.2007 - 05.2010

Junior Stewardess

Privately Owned Motor Yacht
09.2007 - 05.2007

Bachelor of Science - Business Management, Operations Management, Political Science - International Relations, Italian Studies

Stony Brook University

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Maja Gudelj