Lacana is well known to the UK trade, having held roles at Club Med for six years and more recently JacTravel and TripAdvisor Vacation Rentals.

Based at the company’s new EMEA headquarters in Brixton, south London, she will be responsible for the company’s trade distribution strategy and head a team of seven business development managers.

Lacana will work with Andrew Turner, senior business development manager, to nurture head office relationships with key partners, consortia and independent agents.

Intrepid launched its trade hub Intrepid Loves Agents earlier this year and plans to expand the initiative for 2017.

Lacana said: “I am thrilled to have joined Intrepid Travel at this exciting time in its development. It was Intrepid’s strong purpose beyond profit and responsible travel ethos that really attracted me to the role.

“Our style of authentic and local travel is a real growth market and holds fantastic potential for agents.”

Michael Edwards, Intrepid’s managing director EMEA, said: “This is an exciting time for the business following our move to London and our significant growth plans for 2017. I’m confident that Joy’s experience will ensure our trade business continues to flourish.”