Heatley brings 25 years’ travel industry experience to her new group product delivery manager role, largely in product postings.

She will take a lead on the group’s product and operations, leading its product team and developing and implementing product strategy across its Leger and Shearings brands.

Heatley, who will report to operations director Chris Plummer, joins from Great Rail Journeys, where she was head of product for seven years.

She has previously worked for Page & Moy, Travelsphere, Bridge Travel, Thomson and British Airways.

“Louise joins the Leger Shearings Group with excellent credentials," said Plummer. "She has strong commercial awareness, proven team management experience and understands the customer focused environment. We are delighted she has joined us and strengthened our senior management team at a time of rapid company growth.”

Heatley added: “It’s very exciting to have joined the Leger Shearings Group at such a pivotal time, with new tours being rapidly developed to meet demand. It’s great to be working across both brands, with their own characteristics and specialist areas, not just in the UK and Europe but also to destinations further afield.”