Sealy joined Exsus in June 2018 to oversee the brand’s launch to the trade and grew trade to represent 85% of Exsus’s business, it previously having been predominantly direct-sell.

"After almost five years at Exsus Travel, I’m sad to let you know that I am moving on to pastures new," said Sealy in a note send to agents on Wednesday morning (15 February).

"It has been incredibly exciting to be a part of Exsus Travel’s amazing growth for nearly five years – none of which would have been possible without your hard work – which makes the decision to move on a very difficult one indeed."

While neither Sealy nor Exsus have disclosed where his next role will be, Sealy said he "couldn’t resist a new challenge".

"The time has come for me to bid farewell to the fabulous team at Exsus," he continued. "I look forward to watching the company continue to grow with the trade, and I have no doubt my replacement will continue to successfully manage and develop strong working relationships with agents, taking the business to greater levels."

Sealy confirmed a "well-respected" replacement had already been lined up, one who would be "a familiar face" to many in the trade. "They will be in touch in due course but until then, our director of sales Sinzi will ensure you’re well looked after."

Exsus managing director Habib Rehman added: "We’re extremely sad to see Neil go, but the new opportunity presented to him is testament to the hard work and effort he has put in over the past five years. It is one of those moments when we really don’t want to see someone go, but at the same time, he has our full blessing. Neil can leave Exsus knowing he has left us much stronger than when he joined.

"Like with any challenge, there are new opportunities presented. We are very lucky to have found a replacement for Neil who is equally well-known and respected in the industry. Our director of sales Sinzi will ensure our family of valued agents are well looked after until our new head of trade sales has had the chance to settle in. We’re looking forward to building on the journey we embarked on in 2018 with Neil."