If Only has also revealed it “is likely” to launch a Caribbean programme early in the summer of 2018.

The operator announced in June last year that it had appointed five Gold Medal and Travel 2 staff, including Andy Freeth, who was named chief executive.

Gordon McCreadie has joined If Only as sales and marketing director, Tracy Docherty as business development director and David Irving as head of specialist business.

Matt Appleby was named as product and commercial director, but If Only today confirmed he would not be taking up the position.

In October last year an agreement was reached between If Only and Gold Medal and Travel 2 owner dnata that If Only was “prohibited” from employing any staff currently working for The Global Travel Group Limited, Stella Travel Services (UK) Limited, Gold Medal, Travel 2 and dnata Travel Holdings UK Limited until April 1 2018.

“If Only is delighted to finally announce the arrival of Andy Freeth, Gordon McCreadie, Tracy Docherty and David Irving to its headquarters in Milngavie near Glasgow,” If Only said in a statement.

“The next few weeks will see the new directors, along with the existing management team, develop If Only’s future strategy, and following the successful launch of its USA programme, the strategy is likely to include the launch of a Caribbean programme early in the summer of 2018.”

Brendan Maguire, founder and managing director of If Only, adde: “For personal family reasons, Matt Appleby will not be joining If Only and we wish Matt every success for the future.

“However we are confident that we will be appointing a candidate to lead the product and commercial team in the coming weeks.”