New bosses revealed for Gold Medal and Travel 2

Bevan, who has worked in the travel industry for more than 25 years, will join dnata from Spafinder Wellness and previously worked for Voyage Prive and lastminute.com.

He becomes chief executive of dnata Travel B2B Europe, while Attraction World’s Nick Hughes will also join the division as sales director, with responsibility for the teams at Gold Medal and Travel 2.

The announcement was made on stage by Andy Washington, chief executive of dnata Travel B2C Europe, at Abta’s Travel Convention.

The moves come after five members of Travel 2 and Gold Medal’s senior team left dnata to join rival operator If Only in June, including managing director Andy Freeth and sales director Gordon McCreadie.

Bevan is due to take up his new role on November 1 when he will report directly to Iain Andrew, dnata’s divisional senior vice-president. Hughes will join dnata on November 27.

Andrew said: “John’s exceptional experience in driving results and the strength of his industry partnerships and relationships will ensure that he continues to lead our ambitious growth plans across all channels.”

Bevan and Hughes will join Steve Barrass, who was appointed dnata’s senior vice-president, new ventures Europe, in September. Barrass now leads the independent members of The Global Travel Group and oversees growth and development in new source markets.