Julie Cope, the former Chief Operating Officer of Take2Eton Group, is joining Flutter Entertainment as Group Travel Manager.
Reporting to Ana Cristiano James, Flutter’s Global Travel Lead, Cope will be covering for Karmen Simera, who is going on maternity leave.
It will be the first time Cope has worked on the buyer side in her business travel career spanning more than 40 years, including senior roles at Hillgate, CTM and Take Two Travel Solutions, which is now Take2Eton Group.
“After many years working on the travel management company (TMC) side, I am excited to begin a new chapter by joining Flutter,” she said.
“My experience has given me strong insight into corporate travel, including working with global suppliers, managing operational complexity, supporting evolving technology platforms, and helping clients build travel programmes that balance traveller experience with commercial value.
“Moving to the client side is a fantastic opportunity to apply that experience in a new way and fully immerse myself in Flutter Entertainment’s business, culture, and priorities.
“I am particularly looking forward to building strong partnerships across the business, using data and technology to support smarter decisions, and helping shape a travel programme that is efficient, traveller-focused and ready for the future.”
“I am excited to join Ana and her talented team at Flutter and cannot wait to get started. Here’s to new challenges, new opportunities and the journey ahead.”
Cope and Cristiano James have previously worked together in a client/supplier relationship.
“Julie has always been incredibly knowledgeable, professional and a pleasure to work with,” said Cristiano James. “I am really looking forward to having her bring fresh insight from the TMC side, especially as I have now been out of the TMC world for over 12 years.
“Julie’s experience will be a real asset to the team, particularly as we take on the mammoth task of running our global TMC RFP towards the end of the year. Her supplier-side knowledge, operational experience, and understanding of how TMCs work will bring a valuable perspective as we review the market and shape the future of our global travel programme.
“The whole team is very much looking forward to welcoming Julie to Flutter Entertainment, and I know she will quickly become a key part of the team.”
