Coles Barrasso has been appointed to the newly created position of chief of PR and corporate affairs, reporting to chief executive Julia Lo Bue-Said.

Coles Barrasso joined Advantage in February 2022 to help establish a cross-industry UK Outbound Travel Think Tank to influence government policy. Her new role will see her continue to support Advantage’s public affairs strategy, as well as provide leadership of the Partnership’s PR and corporate affairs activities.

She was previously group director of PR and communications with The Thomas Cook Group, and communications director of The Travel Network Group.

Lo-Bue-Said said: “I am delighted Alexis will be working even more closely with the team going forward. Over the past 18 months, her role has expanded significantly as the company has embarked on its ambitious plans for the future.  

“During the time Alexis has been with us, she has played a vital role in helping us further grow our brand profile and industry influence through an increased focus on industry and public affairs engagement, alongside active participation across many of our corporate communications initiatives.”

Coles Barrasso added: “I am thrilled to be taking on this increased role with Julia and joining her senior leadership team at Advantage.  

“We have made a great deal of progress with amplifying the public profile of Advantage, and in positioning the brand as a leading voice of authority for the industry across all sectors within which the membership operates. I am very much looking forward to building on this success as we look to extend our brand reach both in the UK and globally.”