InteleTravel hires top trade figure to fill new commercial role
InteleTravel has recruited The Advantage Travel Partnership’s chief commercial director Kelly Cookes. Starting 1 September, Cookes will become the US homeworking giant’s first commercial director and will be based at the company’s Canary Wharf head office. She will report into UK and Ireland managing director Tricia Handley-Hughes. It said Cookes will be responsible “for optimising all commercial activity and partner engagement, supported by the marketing communications team”. She has previously held senior roles at Thomas Cook and Freedom Travel Group. Cookes said the InteleTravel team were “truly inspiring”, adding: “I look forward to contributing to their continued success. It will be a privilege to be part of a team that is shaping the future, and I am eager to bring my skills and passion to help drive innovation and expansion."
Tui hands trade lead new role with wider remit
Tui’s head of retail operations and trade, Jill Cunningham, has been promoted to a new role, which will see her take on responsibility for all sales through third-parties – including independent agents. Cunningham has been named director of retail, omnichannel and third-party sales, and has already reiterated the importance of independents to Tui. In her new role, she will be tasked with growing sales from and expanding distribution across the group’s stores, as well as through independent agents in the UK and Ireland. She will report into Tui marketing and sales director UK and Ireland Bart Quinton Smith.
Ambassador takes on former Balkan Holidays head of sales
Lynsey Jones has joined Ambassador Cruise Line's trade team following Balkan Holidays' decision in April to shutter its UK operation. Jones, who is expecting a baby, took up her role on Monday (2 June) and will work with the team over the next four months during the remainder of her pregnancy, supporting the line's inaugural Caribbean fly-cruise programme, which takes off in October. Jones brings nearly 20 years' travel industry experience to her new role, following spells with Tui, Neilson, Skiworld and latterly Balkan, where she was head of sales and brand. She will report into interim head of trade Karen Cameron. “We're always on the lookout for talented individuals who can bring their expertise to our business,” said Cameron. “Lynsey’s considerable knowledge of the travel sector, coupled with her industry experience, make her a perfect fit for the trade team. We know her contribution will prove invaluable as we continue to meet the needs and expectations of our guests.”
Crystal Cruises bolsters UK and EMEA sales team
Carnival Cruise Line’s former international and UK sales director Luke Smith has joined Crystal Cruises in a newly created sales role. Smith took up the role of vice-president of sales, UK and EMEA, on Monday (2 June) and will report into Matias Lira, the ultra-luxury line’s senior vice-president, trade sales – Americas, UK and EMEA. Smith is responsible for driving trade sales distribution across both markets, managing inside sales functions and collaborating with the marketing team to "ensure exposure and results". Prior to joining Crystal, Smith spent more than 12 years at Carnival Cruise Line and a further six-and-a-half years at Carnival UK. Crystal said: “With more than 15 years’ experience in the cruise industry, Smith has an in-depth understanding of the industry and a proven track record of increasing market share and leading innovative sales initiatives.”
Stuba expands business development team with new hire
Accommodation specialist Stuba has recruited Catherine Williams as business development manager to support agents in the west Midlands, south Wales and south west. This appointment is the first time Stuba has had a dedicated BDM for this “important and growing region”. The company added: “Her appointment reflects Stuba’s ongoing commitment to providing hands-on, regional support for agents across the UK and Ireland.” Williams joins Stuba from Stow Travel, where she spent 10 years, rising from a part-time trainee to senior travel consultant, eventually managing the daily operations of the business full-time. On Williams, Angela Muir, head of UK and Ireland sales at Stuba, said: “Her extensive experience in retail travel, her business acumen, and her clear passion for the industry make her the perfect fit for this new role. Having someone dedicated to the west Midlands, south Wales, and south west is an exciting step forward for Stuba as we continue to strengthen our support for agents at a regional level.”
Two familiar faces join Aito Agents Panel
Aito has made two appointments to its agents panel, growing it to 12 members. Oli Dobbs, from Travel Gallery's business development team, rejoins the panel, while for Inside Travel Group business development manager Holly Brown, it's her first stint. Haslemere Travel owner Gemma Antrobus, who chairs Aito Agents, said Dobbs and Brown brought "a wealth of experience from different corners of the travel industry" to their posts, adding their perspectives would be "instrumental" in shaping Aito strategy. Focuses for the panel include initiatives to support, empower and connect Aito agent and tour operator members, including enhanced training, new tools for business development and scheduled events. "The travel industry has faced considerable challenges in recent years, but we firmly believe in the resilience and importance of independent travel," Antrobus continued. "With a strong and committed panel, Aito is better equipped than ever to support our members through innovation, collaboration and forward-thinking initiatives."
Silversea rehires former future cruise consultant after two-year hiatus
James Edwards has returned to ultra-luxury line Silversea as a business development manager for the south. Edwards previously worked with the brand as future cruise consultant on board for nine years. Since leaving Silversea two years ago, Edwards has broadened his experience working as a senior sales manager for World Travel Holdings UK. Edwards brings with him more than 23 years’ cruise industry experience and, according to Silversea, “a deep knowledge of Silversea and the broader luxury travel market, which will play a key role in supporting valued travel partners and further enhancing the brand’s strong trade presence”.
Management reshuffle at Gatwick as chief exec steps up
Gatwick's long-time chief executive Stewart Wingate (pictured right) has been promoted to a newly created managing director (UK airports) role with Gatwick's owners and operators Vinci Airports and Global Infrastructure Partners. In his new position, Wingate will oversee future development and strategic direction at the group's airports – Gatwick, Edinburgh and Belfast International. Their respect chiefs will all report into him. Wingate will be succeeded by Pierre-Hugues Schmit (pictured left), Vinci's chief commercial and operational officer and a non-executive director serving on Gatwick's board. Wingate and Schmit will work together over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition, with both appointments taking effect from 1 September. Wingate said it had been a privilege to lead at Gatwick over the past 15 years, including through the pandemic and on the airport's plans to bring its northern runway into routine use. Schmit added he was excited to be tasked with "leading the airport through the next stage of its growth journey".
River cruise ‘icon’ becomes AmaWaterways' new chair
AmaWaterways’ chief executive and co-founder Rudi Schreiner is moving into a new role as chair of the luxury river line. President Catherine Powell will step up as the company’s chief executive from 1 July, with Schreiner continuing to support her in his new role. “I am delighted that we are investing in the kind of leadership Catherine brings to the company. It’s a real inflection point, and I couldn't be prouder,” said Schreiner. While Powell added: “Rudi is an icon in the industry, whose pioneering vision has shaped river cruising. From the design of the ships to every detail of the experience on board and on shore, Rudi has touched the lives of all the guests who have sailed with us.” Kristin Karst, meanwhile, will remain on the AmaWaterways board and will continue in her role as global brand ambassador.
EasyJet holidays appoints new head of partnerships and destination policy
EasyJet holidays has named Antonia Bouka as its new head of partnerships and destination policy, effective immediately. Bouka, who joins easyJet holidays following a 21-year stint at Tui, will lead a team of seven and will engage with a raft of different stakeholders – including governmental bodies, tourist boards and hoteliers. Prior to joining the tour operator, she has held various roles at Tui such as global head of public policy and government relations and general manager for tourist boards and partnerships. “Her expertise and ministerial relationships will bring a fresh perspective to easyJet holidays, and we’re confident she’ll play a key role in driving our continued success as one of the UK’s leading package holiday providers,” said chief commercial officer Paul Bixby. Bouka's appointment comes as easyJet holidays revealed it is currently on track to achieve its £250 million profit target earlier than expected while growing its share the UK holiday market to nearly 10%.
Former CroisiEurope BDM joins Olympic Holidays
Former CroisiEurope business development manager Janine Sykes has joined Olympic Holidays as its new business development manager covering northern England, effective immediately. In her new role, Sykes has been tasked with expanding the Greece and Cyprus specialist's presence in the region and forging strong relationships with agents. "Her passion for travel, deep-rooted understanding of the industry, and proven track record in business development make her an invaluable addition to Olympic Holidays," said managing director Reeva Kingston, who got the top job earlier this year following the departure of Michael Vinales in December 2024. "With her strong connections and commitment to agent partnerships, we’re confident she’ll play a key role in accelerating our growth across the north of the UK." An industry veteran with more than 30 years of experience, Sykes has held senior positions at the likes of train operator LNER and Caribbean specialist Sandals Resorts.
Riviera recruits new guest experience lead from outside travel
Riviera Travel has appointed Nikki Stannard as its new head of guest experience, effective immediately. Stannard, who joins the river cruise and escorted tour specialist following an extensive search, has been tasked with "consistently delivering outstanding levels of service and personal experience to guests". Commenting on the appointment, operations director Noeleen Pritchard said Stannard stood out "for her genuine passion for people and her unwavering commitment to doing what's right". “While she joins us from outside the travel sector, her extensive background in customer care, combined with a fresh and insightful perspective, brings exactly the kind of thinking we need as we continue to refine and improve the way we serve our guests,” Pritchard said. Prior to joining Riviera Travel, Stannard has held a variety of customer-focused roles – including head of wholesale market unit at water supply company Severn Trent and head of customer relations at consumer credit reporting company Experian. “What drew me to Riviera is its commitment to crafting outstanding holidays and standing out for service that feels personal, thoughtful, and genuinely memorable,” Stannard added. “I’m passionate about creating experiences that are exceptional, meaningful, and effortless for both our guests and the teams who serve them.”
