Sales chief to leave cruise line after six years
Virgin Voyages' vice-president international sales Shane Lewis-Riley has left the line after six years. “The time has come for me to hand over the baton and explore new opportunities,” Lewis-Riley said. “I couldn’t be more grateful for my time at Virgin Voyages.” John Delaney will remain as senior adviser for the UK and international markets, working alongside UK sales director Sarah-Jane Walker and sales manager Matt Lebbern. Lewis-Riley joined Virgin Voyages in May 2018 after stints with P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises and Carnival UK. Virgin Voyages chief executive Nirmal Saverimuttu said Lewis-Riley had been “instrumental in establishing our roots in the UK market and beyond”.
Agency appoints new head of commercial
Fred Olsen Travel has named Tracy Clenshaw its new head of commercial. In her new role, Clenshaw will oversee all commercial operations – including its retail estate, franchise businesses and tour operator Fred Holidays – supporting retail director Paul Hardwick and tour operations director Tricia Birmingham. Hardwick said Clenshaw would prove “a great asset” to the miniple, flagging her focuses on building margins and profitability. Clenshaw added: “With my strong track record in driving revenue growth and forging strong strategic partnerships, I will oversee all commercial functions with the aim of building a high performing product and commercial team to accelerate growth and market expansion."
Retail chief completes journey from shopfloor to boardroom
Premier Travel has promoted head of retail sales Steve Cox to the role of director, a move that has over the past 32 years seen him progress from a trainee travel consultant to a top role with the agency. He will take up his new position on 1 October. Managing director Paul Waters said he, along with the rest of the Premier Travel board, believed the appointment would drive the company's retail operations forward. Waters praised Cox's impact on the business and his "unwavering enthusiasm". “I have no doubt that as director, Steve will continue to drive innovation and excellence, helping us achieve new heights," said Waters. "His dedication and leadership are exactly what we need as we look to the future."
Mark Warner takes on interim head of marketing
Mark Warner has hired Anne Williams as its interim head of marketing, who will stand in for Katherine Hall while she takes maternity leave. Williams joins the beach and ski specialist following a five-and-a-half year spell with Inghams parent Hotelplan UK. She has previously worked Celebrity Cruises, Tui, Sunsail and Skiworld after starting her career in travel with Virgin Atlantic. “I’m delighted to be joining this much-loved and respected activity holiday operator, and excited to continue building on the brand’s 50-year history,” said Williams. “I wish Kat all the best for her upcoming maternity leave and promise to keep everything in safe hands."
TTG 30 Under 30 alumnus joins ITT board
EasyJet holidays senior strategy manager Louie Davis, who was a member of the TTG 30 Under 30 Class of 2018, has been seconded to the board of the Institute of Travel and Tourism (ITT). Davis joined ITT’s education and training committee in 2018 and was in 2022 named an ITT Future You ambassador. “I will do my best to support our exceptional industry by championing training and education, driving industry connectivity between businesses and ensuring our industry is accessible to everyone with an interest and passion for travel,” he said. Davis started his career in travel with Thomas Cook and went on to work for Premier Inn parent Whitbread before rejoining Cook in June 2022. He took up his current role with easyJet holidays in June 2023.
Bed bank names new BDM for Wales and northern England
Accommodation specialist Stuba has appointed Chris Borland as its new BDM for Yorkshire, Wales and northern England following Joanne Muir’s departure. Borland will report to UK and Ireland head of sales Angela Muir, and will be tasked with growing Stuba's trade business in his patch. “Stuba's commitment to providing exceptional service and its forward-thinking approach makes it an exciting place to be,” he said. “I look forward to contributing to the company's growth and working with such a talented team.” Borland has worked in the travel industry for 17 years, holding roles with the likes of Tucan Travel, Exodus Adventure Travels and STA Travel.
Caribbean resort specialist appoints UK and Ireland BDM
Louisa Smith has been named as Blue Diamond Resorts' new BDM for the UK and Ireland. In her new role, she will manage all trade enquiries, and seek to maintain and grow trade awareness of and engagement with the brand through face-to-face events, fam trips, workshops and sales missions. Smith brings more than 25 years' travel industry experience to her new role spanning PR, sales and marketing. “We are committed to supporting the UK and Irish trade," said Blue Diamond's trade sales and business development senior director Todd Kirlik. "Having Louisa in the driving seat will ensure we continue to strengthen our agent relationships, supporting them in their quest to sell our properties."
Business development expert switches cruise sector for resorts
Stewart Plumridge, who has more than a decade of business development experience, has parted with the cruise sector after nearly 10 years to take up a new BDM role with Domes Resorts covering Ireland and the south of the UK. Plumridge, who started his career with Thomas Cook and held business development roles with NCL, Celebrity Cruises and MSC Cruises, will report into Domes' senior sales, marketing and development manager Penny Naoum. In his new role, he will deliver sales and service-focused training and seek to strengthen Domes' relationships with agents. Naoum said Plumridge's passion shone through from the first moment of his interview.
Rewards platform creates new trade-facing role
My Booking Rewards (MBR) has hired Montse Herrera Despradel as business development and partnerships manager to drive global sales and deliver marketing strategies. In this newly created role, Herrera will be responsible for the UK and European, North American, Latin American and Indian Ocean markets, as well as agent training at the trade rewards platform. MBR chief executive Darren Pearson said: “Herrera’s experience will be an asset in helping us to drive agent engagement in this newly created role. I have no doubt she will play a huge role in helping us support our valued international partners and emerging markets across the globe.”
Resort names marine biologist as new sustainability manager
Kuramathi Maldives has appointed marine biologist Tom Osborne as its new sustainability manager and tasked him with driving forward the resort’s commitment to environmental stewardship. In his role, Osborne will ensure Kuramathi Maldives’ compliance with Abta's Travelife sustainability criteria, working on both large-scale and small-scale sustainability measures. These include optimising energy consumption, reducing staff food waste and minimising single-use plastics.
Ex-Classic Collection team leader joins villa specialist
Former Classic Collection pre-travel team leader Jack Wornham has joined villa holiday specialist SPL Villas as its new sales and operations team leader, reporting to managing director Edward Frampton-Fell. As part of his remit, Wornham will seek to optimise SPL Villas’ sales, reservation and operation functions and maximise demand from trade and direct customers. He added: “Alongside that, I’ll be working hard with our sales team to ensure every inquiry – whether it's one of the growing number we receive from travel agent partners, or directly via our website or call centre – is converted quickly, professionally and at the best possible value to the customer."
