McAuley will move from her existing non-executive role with Hays to take responsibilities for the company’s communications, events, tour operating, marketing and product teams.

During her 37-year travel career, McAuley has also led Silversea as managing director UK and Ireland, served on the executive board of Clia and, most recently, acquired travel publisher Silver Travel Advisor in December 2020.

Dame Irene Hays said McAuley had been working in her non-exec role for the past 19 months.

“We value Lisa’s support, guidance and considerable experience and I am confident she will be an excellent addition to our executive team,” she added.

McAuley added: “This feels like the most natural next step. I have been working closely with the Hays Travel board for some time now and it has been a really rewarding experience.

“I worked with the board behind the scenes to deliver several key projects - during some turbulent times - and they are a fantastic group to work with; I am honoured to have been asked to join them permanently.

“There are lots of plans in the pipeline and a few on the horizon which I’m looking forward to helping deliver, working alongside some brilliant colleagues from across Hays Travel.”