Whiteley will join Prestige after 20 years at rival Canada specialist First Class, where he most recently held the role of national sales manager.

He will take up his new role next month, reporting to sales director Shubhra Halliday, director of Canada tour operations Denise Hunn and manager of Prestige’s Australia and New Zealand portfolio, Lorna Curry.

John Dixon, Prestige’s chairman and managing director, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Jonathan, who joins us as we prepare to celebrate our 30th anniversary next month.

“A consummate industry professional with 20 years’ experience across many destinations, I’m delighted to welcome [Jonathan] onboard.”

Dixon said after Prestige initially focused on Bermuda and the Mediterranean, its specialist programmes – including Canada, Australia and New Zealand – had become increasingly important to the business, with Canada now accounting for more than 20% of its activity.

“We all know our success and longevity hasn’t happened by accident,” said Dixon. “It is our people who have been instrumental. Jonathan’s appointment is an extension of this policy.”

First Class declined to comment on Whiteley’s departure when approached by TTG, but said it was launching a major recruitment drive as part of its ambitious growth plans.

Chief executive Dan Gathercole said the operator was looking for a sales manager, two concierge roles, an Africa specialist and a data assistant.