Sitting within the group’s leadership team, Gambling will take up the role on 22 May, bringing with him a wealth of experience in travel including 32 years at Saga Travel where he held a variety of marketing roles.

After Saga, Gambling moved onto Travelopia before joining Fleetway Travel as chief marketing officer and director of customer experience. He joins from Real Response Media where he is currently chief marketing officer.

Reporting directly to JG Travel Group’s chief executive Chris Simmonds, who was formerly chief executive of Saga Holidays, Gambling will have day-to-day responsibility for the management of the marketing, digital and studio departments, plus the trade sales team and partnerships team.

"James will be a great addition to the team and shares our goals and visions for the company’s future development," said Simmonds, who joined JG as marketing director a year ago before taking over as chief executive from Andy Freeth in September.

"Having worked with James in the past, I know he shares my passion in delivering a great experience for the customer and brings with him a great deal of experience in travel, brand and data driven marketing."

Gambling added: "I’m really looking forward to joining the JG Travel and returning to the world of tour operating as it is something which I really enjoy. With some amazing brands, I believe the group has huge potential and I can’t wait to be part of the team that delivers their new strategy."