Newmarket, Intrepid, Riviera: all the latest travel trade people moves

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Newmarket, Intrepid, Riviera: all the latest travel trade people moves

Cruise

Harry Kemble

25 September 2024

TTG’s weekly round-up of the latest appointments, promotions, restructurings and farewells from across the trade is the definitive digest of the travel trade people moves you need to know about.

This week saw Newmarket Holidays strengthen its trade sales team in the north of the country while Intrepid Travel has brought in two partnerships managers to host training sessions and events in their respective regions.

Elsewhere, Riviera Travel and bed bank Bedsonline have bolstered their support for agents in Ireland, and there have been significant departures at Abta, Clia and Baldwins Travel – plus change at the top at TTC Tour Brands.

So here are the latest major travel trade hires, promotions and job moves over the past week (Wednesday 18 to Wednesday 25 September).

Have you recently made a new appointment or taken on a new role? Do you have some personnel news for us from your business or organisation? Drop us an email at feedback@ttgmedia.com.

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Escorted touring specialist hires new account manager

Newmarket Holidays has hired Wayne Szczambura as account manager for the north east of England. Szczambura will join the escorted tour specialist on 30 September, bringing a wealth of experience gained from his more than 20 years in the travel industry, following roles with Tui, First Choice, Animation World and Balkan Holidays. In his new role, Szczambura will be responsible for existing and new partnerships with retail and business owners across northeast England, working alongside Newmarket Holidays’ team of six account and partnership managers. He will report to Hayley Morris, who joins the business in October as head of trade sales and partnerships.

Intrepid expands partnerships team with two recruits

Intrepid Travel has expanded its agent-facing team with two new hires. Scott Tyrer joins as industry partnerships manager north, with Holly Piggott taking up a like role in the south. Tyrer, who has already taken up his new post, brings 15 years’ travel industry experience, including a spell as business development manager at Venture Ashore. Piggott will start in October, moving from APT Travel Group where she is currently a trade sales executive. Tyrer said Intrepid was “a brand I have sold throughout my career”, adding its sustainability policies and charitable causes “are something that separate them from the rest and I am proud to be a part of”. Both will hit the road hosting in-store training and events and can be booked for extra sessions on touring and adventure.

Operator looks to grow relations with Irish travel trade

Riviera Travel has appointed Ralph Uhlemann as its new business development manager for Ireland, effective from 30 September. In his new role, Ulhemann will focus on building relationships with the trade and growing awareness of the Riviera among Irish travel agents, reporting directly to international sales manager Steve Taylor. Commenting on the appointment, trading director Stuart Milan said: “His expertise in the industry and deep connections with the travel trade will be vital as we continue to develop what we believe is industry-leading trade support for Ireland-based travel agents.”

Touring giant appoints interim chief executive

The Travel Corporation has named its north American touring chief Melissa DaSilva as interim chief executive of its global TTC Tour Brands portfolio. DaSilva will succeed Gavin Tollman on an interim basis as the Tollman family prepares to exit the business pending its sale to US asset management firm Apollo, which will end more than 100 years' of family ownership. DaSilva brings more than 30 years’ industry experience to her new role with TTC, including nearly two decades with STA Travel. She has previously headed up both Contiki and Trafalgar as president. "I am excited and honoured to lead TTC Tour Brands through this important phase in its history," she said. Tollman said DaSilva's "deep understanding" of TTC's tour brands made her "the ideal choice" for the role.

Danny Waine to leave trade body after four years

Abta’s head of membership Danny Waine is poised to leave the association at the end of the year. Waine joined Abta in October 2020 from Hotelplan Group where he was commercial director for its holiday homes division. The trade body confirmed a search is now under way for his successor, while Waine has said he will remain in travel but plans to relocate from London. Rachel Jordan, Abta’s director of membership and financial protection, said Waine’s impact at Abta had been “phenomenal”.

Bed bank hires familiar face to strengthen Irish trade ties

Bed bank Bedsonline has recruited Gemma Walker as a key account manager to support agencies in Ireland. Walker is responsible for training and attending trade shows, events and conferences and is part of UK and Ireland regional sales manager Emma Foran’s team. Walker has spent more than 20 years in a variety of travel industry roles, including with Jet2holidays, Thomas Cook and Newmarket Holidays, where she spent 11 years as account manager.

Agency names new branch manager as veteran exits

Wendy Sharp has become the new branch manager of Baldwins Travel’s Tonbridge shop following the departure of Bettina McCue after 35 years at the company. A senior travel consultant at Baldwins’ Maidstone branch, Sharp will take the reins of the Tonbridge shop on 3 October. “Wendy has worked for us for eight years, but has worked in travel for more than 30 years so she’s a fantastic replacement,” said managing director Nick Marks.

Clia Global president to step down this year

Kelly Craighead, president and chief executive of global cruise body Clia, is to step down at the end of the year. Clia members and partners were told of her departure in a letter from Clia global chair Jason Liberty, chief executive of Royal Caribbean Group. Craighead has been in her role since January 2018 and helped steer the industry through the pandemic. The trade body has started the search for her successor.