AltoVita's Spotlight Series: 5 Minutes with Tom Fleming

Tom Fleming, AltoVita’s Client Development Director, has a talent for transforming global companies’ challenges into opportunities. He has a knack for listening to stakeholders’ needs, finding solutions, and integrating feedback to create a win-win-win for everyone involved.

When Tom joined AltoVita in September 2023, he brought a wealth of experience from his previous global mobility and relocation management roles at industry leaders like Cartus, Newland Chase, and Cornerstone London.

“My interest in AltoVita was piqued during my time at Cornerstone, where I met several AltoVita team members at industry events. I was attracted to AltoVita’s dynamic environment, forward-thinking approach, and the opportunity to make a significant impact in a growing company,” said Tom.

He lives outside of London in Surrey, which is about a half-hour train ride from Central London. While he enjoys working remotely, he regularly visited the team’s office space in London to meet colleagues in person.

“I appreciate the collaborative and innovative culture at AltoVita. The people here are incredibly talented and hardworking, which provides a fantastic learning environment. AltoVita’s vision of modernising the accommodation market aligns with my own beliefs, making it easier to invest effort in our goals,” he says. “The opportunity to work closely with different teams and clients keeps the role dynamic and engaging.”

Tom’s primary responsibilities as a Client Development Director are client strategies and operational excellence. 

“My role is quite multifaceted, combining client strategy and operational excellence. I support our clients through account management, ensuring they have the information and operational support they need. I also focus on growing AltoVita’s client relationships and identifying new opportunities where we can provide value,” said Tom.

“This dual aspect of supporting and developing client relationships is central to my role - I drive revenue for the business while ensuring our clients receive the best possible service.”

He loves the variety of his role and the opportunity to interact with different parts of the organisation and our clients. 

“The most rewarding aspect is building relationships and helping clients navigate their challenges,” says Tom. “The coordination aspect of my role, where I consolidate information and provide strategic support, is enjoyable and challenging. It requires a deep understanding of our client’s needs and the ability to anticipate and address potential issues proactively.”

Industry Trends Witnessed from the Frontlines

Tom has a front-row seat to the evolution occurring in the business travel and global mobility sectors at AltoVita. 

He’s excited to see the realms of business travel and global mobility merging more each year. He keeps an eye on customers’ continued prioritisation of value, which he defines as “cost plus service.”

For example, he’s witnessing how business travel (BT) and global mobility (GM) merge more each year. 

“While cost remains a key consideration, there’s a noticeable shift towards value, which encompasses both cost and service quality. Sustainability is also gaining traction, particularly in terms of reporting and credentials, although it's yet to fully influence booking decisions. Companies are seeking more cost-effective solutions, but they also prioritise their employees' experience,” Tom shared, demonstrating his keen insights into industry trends.

“Cost containment is a major trend, especially with the high inflation rates in Western Europe. Clients are looking for the best value for their employees, which means balancing cost and service quality,” said Tom.

“On the business travel side, there’s a growing preference for apart-hotels or serviced apartments over traditional hotels, as travellers seek more home-like amenities for longer stays.”

Relocations often happen for various reasons, including training programs, filling leadership roles, or setting up new business entities. Tom also sees a trend toward hiring internationally for permanent local contracts, which is more cost-effective than traditional long-term assignments but is primarily driven by a need for specific talent. 

If Tom had to relocate, his top choice would be Singapore.

“I love Southeast Asia, and Singapore is a vibrant hub that offers a great base for exploring the region,” he said.

Tom’s journey and insights illustrate the dynamic nature of the global mobility and business travel industry. His expertise and dedication to client satisfaction are integral to AltoVita’s success. Stay tuned for more spotlights on our talented team members who make AltoVita a leader in the corporate accommodation sector.