After nearly three whirlwind years at the helm of Collette Australia’s sales machine, David Farrar – that rare salesman who makes you want to answer your phone – is stepping into a new, purpose-built role as Sales Engagement Manager, Australia. And unlike most corporate reshuffles, this one doesn’t smell of spin – it smells like life, realigned.
Starting this August, Farrar will bid farewell to his position as Head of Sales, not because of boardroom politics or budget reshuffles, but to answer a deeper call: health, family, and the sort of balance most of us promise ourselves one day, but never quite get around to.
“This decision comes from David’s desire to travel a little less, focus a little more on health, and spend more time with his family – priorities we wholeheartedly support,” said Karen Deveson, Managing Director of Collette, with genuine warmth.
Let’s be clear: Farrar isn’t retiring. He’s recalibrating. While others chase KPIs and rack up frequent flyer points like merit badges, Farrar’s next mission is one of meaning – and, crucially, staying power.
Deveson was unreserved in her praise, saying:
Farrar smiles into his next chapter—less mileage, more meaning.
“David’s impact on our team and the footprint he’s created for Collette in Australia cannot be overstated. We are set up with a fantastic trajectory, and while we’ll miss having him in the Head of Sales role, we’re incredibly excited for this next phase of his journey.”
And so they should be. Farrar isn’t just a name on a business card. He’s been the voice behind Collette’s rise in the Australian market – a familiar face in conference corridors, and the first handshake at every trade event worth attending. If there was ever a man suited to representing a brand, it’s him.
From Leading the Pack to Lighting the Way
In his new role, Farrar won’t be fading into the background. Quite the opposite. He’ll be front and centre at industry conferences, trade shows, and as the public face of the Collette Travel Agent Network (TAN) – hosting webinars, offering insights, and frankly, doing what he does best: making people believe in the magic of travel.
“I feel very lucky to be able to reset some lifestyle priorities and yet stay working for a company I love,” Farrar said, with his trademark modesty. “We’ve established a great team, and I look forward to supporting the new Head of Sales in taking the business to even greater heights.”
That’s David for you. Never one to grandstand, but always the anchor. While many in the industry will mourn his departure from the frontline, they’ll no doubt breathe easier knowing he hasn’t disappeared. His voice will echo through trade updates, webinar rooms, and those all-important hallway chats that never make it to the minutes but always move the needle.
A Job Well Done, and Another Just Beginning
For its part, Collette has wasted no time—the search is already underway for a new Head of Sales to take the reins. Whoever steps into those shoes will inherit a robust sales pipeline and a workplace culture shaped by Farrar’s steady hand and deep respect for relationship-building.
His move is more than just a personnel update. It’s a gentle reminder to the tourism industry – so often caught in a breakneck race from launch to load-in – that sometimes, the best move forward is one that also looks inward.
And let’s not forget the broader message here. Farrar’s recalibration signals a shift in how seasoned professionals choose to work. Less grind, more give. Less speed, more soul. It’s the kind of move that, in a quieter moment, makes you pause and think: What do I want the next chapter to look like?
