Former CMV national sales manager Laura Wilson, who joined Fred Holidays parent Fred Olsen Travel in 2021 as business development manager before becoming Fred Holidays sales and product manager, will oversee the newly-created trade team as head of business development.

The business is also recruiting for additional business development support.

It follows a strategic review that was carried out by parent Fred Olsen Travel earlier this year.

Tour operations director Tricia Birmingham, who joined the company following a six-year stint at dnata, on Wednesday (13 December) confirmed the company would maintain its full product portfolio – spanning European and worldwide rail, river cruise, cruise, cruise and stay, tours, short breaks and long stay holidays – with all divisions trading under a single Fred Holidays banner.

Fred Holidays will still continue to operate as a general sales agent for Amadeus River Cruises, Pandaw River Cruises and American Cruise Lines.

“Over the last six months I spent a lot of time with the tour operator and retail teams, as well as with our franchisees, and it was clear that we needed to do better, to evolve, provide the right support and work in closer collaboration to complement each other and fuel further support and growth,” said Birmingham.

“This new structure will provide us with a great base to build and strengthen our brand and product proposition, as well as increasing our agent following.”

Administration manager Louise Cook has been appointed to a newly-created role of head of customer contact, while former general manager Simon Chambers will take the lead as head of product. And following a 25-year-stint at the company, Lorraine Brown has been appointed head of business travel and flight services.

Fred Holidays is also recruiting for a customer service administration manager and a new marketing manager, who will be announced soon, as well as more resource in product support.