Cookes will take on the newly created role of commercial director from 1 September. She will be based at InteleTravel’s Canary Wharf head office and report to UK and Ireland managing director Tricia Handley-Hughes.
InteleTravel said Cookes will have responsibility "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.
Handley-Hughes said: “I am excited for this new role as it will further boost our growth strategy. Kelly brings diverse experience to the business as we review our distribution channels and continue our revenue-driven success."
Cookes added: "I am excited to be joining Tricia and the team at InteleTravel at such a pivotal time in their growth. Their energy, ambition and vision are truly inspiring, and 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."
Advantage chief executive Julia Lo Bue-Said said: “Kelly leaves Advantage with our sincere thanks. During her time with us, she has made a significant contribution to our business, and we wish her well in her new role. Kelly is due to be with us until the end of June, working on several projects, where there is no conflict with her new role.”
She said there were no plans to replace Cookes’ role. “At the time of John Sullivan’s promotion to commercial director last July, he assumed greater accountability for our overall commercial partnerships, including the commercial requirements of our global business travel division.
“This transition, combined with our robust and experienced commercial team in place across the group, means that we are already positioned strongly in this key strategic area as we continue driving growth and therefore, we have no plans to replace the chief commercial officer role.”
Advantage has also announced the appointment of Nick Rowe to the role of finance director from 1 July. He joined the business in November 2023 from James Villas as head of finance.
