Ambassador, Crystal Ski, Domes Resorts: all the latest travel trade people moves
TTG 's weekly round-up of all the latest appointments, promotions, restructurings and farewells from across the trade is the definitive digest of the travel trade people moves you need to know about.
Moves this week see Ambassador Cruise Line take on a new business development executive to support agents in the Midlands, while a former Classic Collection head of sales has joined Domes Resorts as its new UK and Ireland sales and marketing manager.
Meanwhile, Tui has promoted Scott Britton to head up its ski brand, Crystal Ski Holidays, after his predecessor Chris Logan transitioned into a new UK and Ireland commercial director role earlier this year.
Elsewhere, Delta Air Lines has a new UK and Ireland sales manager, while Wavemaker Hospitality has recruited a new sales, marketing and promotions executive.
So here are the latest major travel trade hires, promotions and job moves over the past week (Wednesday 30 April to Wednesday 7 May).
Have you recently made a new appointment or taken on a new role? Do you have some personnel news for us from your business or organisation? Drop us an email at feedback@ttgmedia.com.
Ambassador appoints new business development exec for the Midlands
Ambassador Cruise Line has appointed Laura Holmes business development executive for the South Midlands. Reporting to divisional sales manager for the south, Louise Tansey, Holmes will be tasked with fostering existing commercial relationships while maximising sales opportunities and driving trade partnerships. 'The addition of someone of Laura's experience illustrates just how highly we value our agent partners, who can rest assured Ambassador will be with them every step of the way as we look to continue serving both the business and our partners in the most effective and productive way possible,' said interim head of trade Karen Cameron. Prior to joining Ambassador, Holmes held a number of roles during her 16-year travel career – including spells as a Mid-Counties Co-op branch manager and Tui travel advisor. Holmes's appointment follows Ambassador's merger with French operator Compagnie Francaise de Croisieres earlier this year.
Former Classic sales chief returns to travel with Domes Resorts
Former Classic Collection head of sales Joanna Moran has returned to travel after joining Domes Resorts as sales and marketing manager for the UK and Ireland. She will report into director of sales and marketing Penny Naoum. Prior to joining Domes, Moran spent nearly 19 years at Classic before stepping away from travel when she joined luxury retailer Harvey Nichols in September 2023. 'Joining Domes Resorts is an exciting new chapter," said Moran. "I've admired the brand's energy, ambition, and uniqueness for years. I'm looking forward to reconnecting with trade partners and contributing to the continued growth of such an inspiring hospitality group.' Naoum added: 'What stood out about Jo was her bubbly and warm personality, extensive knowledge and strong trade relationships. Combined with her strategic insight, professionalism and collaborative mindset, she is the perfect addition to our expanding team. Joanna brings a trusted voice and a dynamic presence to the Domes UK network, and we are all truly thrilled to have her onboard."
Long-serving strategy and ops lead to head up Tui ski brand
Scott Britton, who joined Tui-owned Crystal Ski Holidays' contact centre more than 15 years ago, has risen through the ranks and will now head up the brand. Tui said Britton had played a "vital role shaping the company's strategy and operations over the years". "Having started my career working in the Crystal contact centre more than 16 years ago, I've gained valuable insights into what our customers truly value. I look forward to working with our talented team to enhance our ski proposition." Britton joined Tui in 2008 and has worked in various roles across the business, from contact centre to key commercial positions. He succeeds Chris Logan, who has taken over from Philip Iveson as Tui's commercial director in the UK and Ireland.
Delta Air Lines names new UK and Ireland sales manager
Delta Air Lines has promoted Kate Devereux to the role of UK and Ireland sales manager. She joined Delta in March 2016 as leisure sales senior account manager, a role she held until her promotion this month. An industry veteran with nearly 25 years' industry experience, Devereux has worked at some of the biggest names in aviation, including Singapore Airlines, Tui and United Airlines. Her promotion comes after regional sales manager Nadia Clinton stepped down earlier this year after 30 years with the company.
Former Travel 2 consultant to head Vista's new touring division
Hays Travel has appointed former Travel 2 tours consultant Heather Hutton as the head of its in-house operator Vista's new touring division. Hutton, who has nearly 20 years' industry experience, will lead the dedicated touring team, promoting escorted, independent and small-group tours. 'We have seen rapid growth in demand for authentic experiences, from safaris in Kenya to wine tours in Australia," said Vista's head of sales Kathleen Molloy. "Agents need someone with experience at the end of the phone to help create bespoke itineraries in response to their customers' requests." Hutton joined Vista in November 2020 after Dnata Travel Group decided to merge its Travel 2 and Gold Medal brands.
Great Little Breaks names Chris Cundall's successor
Great Little Breaks (GLB) has appointed Stephen Thompson, a former travel agent, as its new national sales manager following the departure of Chris Cundall, who left the business last year. In his new role, Thompson will provide on-the-road support for agents across the country, delivering training events, webinars and fam opportunities. He will report into Catherine Garrett, GLB's head of sales and operations. Thompson said: "We have some exciting things coming up this year and there will be a lot to update and re-engage agents with. In previous years, there were certain areas of the country that got all of our focus, so I'm planning to get out to areas that may have not been covered as much to introduce them to GLB as well as looking after our existing key partners." He added: "My message to our agents is that I'm really looking forward to working with and supporting them, and am always looking for new ways we can help them promote more of UK to their customers." Thompson worked for Bath Travel prior to its acquisition by Hays Travel. He later worked on P&O Cruises' future sales desk before returning to Hays as a branch manager until 2020. He has gone on to hold roles at travel app start-up Orbzii and online family attraction ticket specialist Picniq.
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