Lee joined the York-based escorted tour and river cruise provider in 2021 as business development and operations director following 18 years as commercial director of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays.

The creation of his new role makes him responsible for Great Rail Journeys’ operations globally. 

Great Rail Journeys, which marks its 50th anniversary this year, incorporates sister companies Rail Discoveries and the Chicago-based Vacations By Rail. They offer more than 200 escorted and independent rail and river cruise holidays in 50-plus countries worldwide.
 
Dave Riley, Great Rail Journeys chief executive, said: “I am delighted to announce that we have appointed Steve Lee as our chief operating officer. As we continue to deliver more European tours to our US customers, creating a single operational unit was the logical next step. 

“Steve has been an invaluable leader since joining us at Great Rail Journeys and Vacations by Rail, and his experience both within the company and throughout the global travel industry made him the perfect choice to step into this brand-new role.”

Lee added: “The experience of leading my team at Great Rail Journeys over the past two years has been one of the most rewarding of my career. It’s a really exciting time to be taking on this new global role, encompassing both Great Rail Journeys and Vacations By Rail as we reach our 50th anniversary.”