Barrass will be based in the head office of both companies in Stevenage and will work to drive the brand’s international growth and strategy.

He joins the firms with more than 30 years’ experience in the travel industry, with roles including chief executive of The Appointment Group (TAG), senior vice-president of dnata, chief executive of Gold Medal, and managing director of direct holidays at Thomas Cook Group.

Phil Cook, founder of Vibe and the P&P Group, said: "Steve brings a wealth of knowledge and experience of the travel industry to P&P Group and Vibe. We look forward to working with Steve on strategy and growth over the coming months."

Barrass added: "I’m excited to be joining Phil and his very competent team at such a pivotal time, I’ve been looking for the right opportunity where my experience would add value to a superb business with a platform that is well positioned for sustainable growth.

Vibe has more than 15 years’ experience in the travel technology sphere, while the P&P Group is a licensed travel business which operates a range of online travel brands, such The Internet Traveller and The Cruise Traveller.