A Scenic spokesperson told TTG the business had begun moving digital teams for both Scenic and Emerald, as well as Emerald’s content creation department, from Manchester to its Sydney head office “where this work initially resided until a few years ago”.

The spokesperson confirmed staff working within these Manchester-based roles had entered a consultation process.

“This relocation of the global function provides the UK teams with a greater focus on their own individual sales and marketing activity,” Scenic said. “The decision to return the functions to Australia is a result of the business’s ongoing commitment to continuous improvement and sales focus to ensure its brands maintain their market leading positions in the UK travel industry.”

Winterton, who has been with the company for nine years, announced his departure with a LinkedIn post on Friday (26 May), writing that he had “taken the opportunity to depart Scenic Group and will now look to explore new opportunities”.

“I have had nine amazing years working for Scenic Group, firstly launching the Emerald brand in the UK and recently helping build the brand globally. My highlights have included launching the yacht cruising product and also adding a ninth river ship sailing the Mekong,” he said.

“I thank Scenic Group for giving me so much opportunity in the nine years I worked for them and wish the Emerald brand much success in the future.”