Flexible Autos’ sales director Chantal Tomlinson joins as RateHawk’s new head of business development in the UK and Ireland, while Laura Harrison comes in from Inghams and Explore parent Hotelplan UK as strategic business development manager.
The online trade booking platform said the hires were part of its “ambitious plans for further expansion in the UK and Ireland”.
Tomlinson, who has more than 25 years’ travel industry experience, will lead day-to-day operations, overseeing a 16-person commercial team, driving business growth and strengthening the company’s market share.
Harrison, meanwhile, will focus on growing RateHawk’s agent partnerships in her new BDM role. She has previously held business development and account management positions for Thomas Cook, Walt Disney World and Avis Budget Group.
RateHawk said Tomlinson had “a proven track record in senior sales and business development roles within travel trade companies and OTAs”.
It comes after Melanie Thom was on Tuesday (25 June) confirmed as Tomlinson’s successor as sales director at trade-only car hire specialist Flexible Autos. She will join Flexible from DriveAway and Auto Europe on Monday (1 July).
Tomlinson said: “RateHawk’s rapid growth and advanced supply and products are truly impressive, and it is a delight to join this incredible team at such an exciting time.
“RateHawk delivers exceptional value to our agency partners, and I am eager to support them in growing their businesses and boosting their profits with us.”
Julita Grzycka, RateHawk’s regional director for northwest Europe, added: “We are excited to have Chantal on board as the head of the UK and Ireland market. We also feel especially empowered with Laura joining the team with her strategic approach to business development.
"Both Chantal and Laura have impressive experience in the industry and a deep knowledge of the specifics of the UK trade, which will significantly strengthen our market penetration and bring more business.”
RateHawk employs more than 500 people globally and has offices in London, Berlin, Milan, Lisbon, Warsaw, Dubai, Limassol and Wilmington.
