The group, which owns and operates brands including Inghams, Explore, Esprit Ski and Inntravel, announced on Wednesday (14 June) it has hired Krissy Roe and Ruth Woodall as sustainability leads.

Sustainability and engagement consultant Roe, who brings 14 years’ experience with activist operator Responsible Travel to the role, will oversee sustainability operations at Inghams, Esprit Ski and Santa’s Lapland. 

Ruth Woodall, meanwhile, who joined the travel industry in May from Co-op, will on Inntravel’s sustainability efforts.

Alongside Explore’s Hannah Methven, Roe and Woodall will support Hotelplan UKs director of sustainability Prue Stone drive the company’s climate action plan, which includes pledges to become net-zero by 2050 and protect biodiversity.

“Our expanded sustainability team will increase our efficiency in measurement and reporting, but even more importantly, it means more expert eyes within the business to scrutinise, challenge and relentlessly strive for continuous improvement,” said Stone. 

Her words were echoed by group chief executive Joe Ponte, who said sustainability was now a “non-negotiable business function".

“[This] is why we are continuing to invest in strengthening our own resources and expertise as well as supporting and working with external partners to drive meaningful change,” he added.