PHOTO: © DAVID FLUECK
THE BASICS
Name: David Flueck
Title: Senior Vice President, Global Loyalty
Company, city: Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International; Bethesda, Maryland
First job: Working in the kitchen making pizzas at a family Italian restaurant in Boulder, Colorado
Where to next: I’m heading to Miami and to Colorado for skiing. I just returned from the Cayman Islands — amazing!
A LITTLE BIT MORE
What actor or actress would play you in a movie of your life?
Major stars aren’t likely to play me in a minor role, so I’d play myself — I think I’d be a natural.
What would you be doing professionally if you weren’t in your current industry?
I’d love to run one of the large ski-resort companies. I grew up skiing near Boulder, and I admire how the industry operates and evolves.
What is your favorite book, movie or television show?
Right now my wife and I are watching Ted Lasso, which I really enjoy. It’s a fun, uplifting show.
What historical figure, dead or alive, would you love to have dinner with?
I prefer having dinner with someone living today, so I’d choose President Obama to hear his perspectives on current political and global dynamics.
THE BUSINESS
What is your most recent project, and what was the inspiration behind it?
A recent focus has been making everyday moments more rewarding for our members. Over the past few years we’ve expanded partnerships so members can earn points in daily life — for example, linking accounts with Uber to earn points on rides and Uber Eats. We refreshed our card portfolio with Chase and American Express, both outstanding partners, and introduced a $250 co-branded card that delivers rich points-earning potential. We’ve also launched new cards in Japan, South Korea, China and Saudi Arabia to enable more members outside the United States to earn points on everyday spending.
What is your favorite aspect of the job?
We work in an incredible industry. I love that we help create lasting memories for members and their families.
What’s the biggest business risk you’ve ever taken?
Combining Marriott Rewards and Starwood Preferred Guest and launching Marriott Bonvoy was the largest risk for both the company and for me personally. We wanted to signal a fresh start for members and the industry.
Who is someone you admire professionally in the travel industry?
Scott Kirby stands out for his leadership at United Airlines. I admire the investment United has made in customer experience and fleet renewal, its focus on sustainability and how quickly it adapted during the pandemic. Those moves reflected strong leadership.
AS A TRAVELER
Tell us about a travel nightmare:
Returning from the Cayman Islands I had a tight connection after a delay. I’d checked a bag because it contained a special bottle of Isla Familia tequila, but because I missed the connection I couldn’t retrieve it. In the end the bottle stayed behind at Miami International Airport — an expensive donation to airport security.
Share a comical travel experience:
After a family trip a flight was diverted due to weather and we arrived in a different city late at night. We booked a hotel but the property had oversold rooms. I showed up at 2 a.m. with my kids and had to be walked to a solution. It was stressful and ridiculous in the moment, but also one of those stories you laugh about later.
What is your preferred method of travel — planes, trains, automobiles, cruise ships — and why?
I prefer planes when possible. Flying is fast and efficient, and the overall experience on major carriers has improved in recent years. I also appreciate how integrated airline apps have become.
What has been the best example of customer service you’ve experienced during your travels?
My family spent Thanksgiving at The St. Regis Punta Mita, and it was exceptional. Instead of a separate kids’ club, staff regularly come down to the beach to gather children for games like soccer, badminton or to hit a piñata. The kids were engaged all day while adults relaxed, thanks to attentive staff who helped make our vacation seamless. It was a standout example of thoughtful service.