News and Insights
FINN Partners hires Steven DeLuca as Senior Partner
October 8, 2021
Travel Industry Expert Joins Fast Growing Global Communications Powerhouse
New York, (October 8, 2021) – Global independent marketing and communications firm FINN Partners has hired Steven DeLuca as Senior Partner, Business Development & Marketing. In this newly created role, DeLuca will work to expand the firm’s reputation and client base in both the travel and consumer lifestyle categories. He will report jointly to Debbie Flynn, Managing Partner Global Travel Practice Leader, and Kyle Farnham, Managing Partner Global Consumer Practice Lead.
DeLuca is a highly respected communications and publishing executive with international experience across hospitality, cruise, private aviation and destination marketing. Prior to joining FINN, he was the President & CMO of HL Group, a mid-sized PR firm owned by MDC. While there, his work ranged from spearheading the iconic Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts account to advising the digitally native disruptor HotelTonight and private aviation operator NetJets.
DeLuca also served for almost a decade as the SVP, Publisher of DEPARTURES, the upscale travel publication for American Express Platinum Card and Centurion Members. In this role he launched the brand’s experiential travel platform by partnering with leading luxury suppliers such as Silversea Cruises, Peninsula Hotels, Uniworld River Cruises, and Taj Hotels and Resorts. He also served key leadership roles at Travel & Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler where he worked to help destinations marketing organizations such as Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Bureau and India Ministry of Tourism raise their awareness with global travelers.
“Steve brings an exceptional level of expertise and deep understanding of the travel industry to our firm,” said Debbie Flynn, Managing Director Global Travel Practice Leader, “we are very pleased to have him join our team of dedicated travel experts and help continue the momentum of one of FINN’s fastest growing practices.”
“I am thrilled to join such a forward-thinking organization that can help clients achieve their global ambitions through a full suite of dynamic offerings that differentiate FINN from other firms, particularly in the sustainability sector which grows in importance every day,” De Luca said. “Plus, the chance to work with such an outstanding team of travel professionals across our global footprint is an incredibly opportunity,” he added.
DeLuca is a frequent speaker on affluent consumers and established the Luxury Travel Forum for American Express. He is also a Board Member of the Luxury Education Foundation and Council Member of the Fresh Air Fund, both New York based philanthropic organizations.