This week’s industry appointments 13-17 July

Anthony Daniels has been confirmed as the new head of sales for Hurtigruten, taking over from Maxine Parker who is departing the company next month. 

The company has also promoted Daniel Giles to senior sales manager for the North, Scotland and Ireland.

Anthony’s previous roles include business development manager for Norwegian Cruise Line, commercial development manager for Reader Offers Ltd and UK sales manager for Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

He takes up his post on 27 July and will oversee the UK sales team, including Daniel in his newly expanded role.

Cecilia Abert commented “I’m delighted to have Anthony join the team and have no doubt that his experience will prove to be a valuable asset for Hurtigruten. With an additional ship joining the fleet and the growth of our explorer programme, these are exciting times for Hurtigruten and the changes we have made will ensure we are able to further develop relationships with our key trade partners”.

The Fairmont St Andrews has appointed John Keating its new general manager.

Originally from Ireland John has worked in the hospitality industry for over 30 years and brings international experience in hotel operations and openings across a wide range of luxury properties and brands around the world.

Management stints in Lucknam Park and Bath Spa in the UK, were followed by eight years in Asia with CCA International in 5-star resorts and golf clubs in China, Indonesia, Taiwan and Russia.  Most recently, John has been GM at Sandals Emerald Bay, Bahamas, Cameron House, and Loch Lomond. He joins Fairmont St Andrews from his most recent appointment as director of Operations for Palmerston Hotels & Resorts Europe.

American Express Global Business Travel (GBT) has announced the appointment of Jason Geall as vice president and general manager for its UK operations.

In this role, Geall will be responsible for GBT’s growth and development across the UK.

Geall will report to Elyes Mrad, managing director, EMEA, American Express Global Business Travel.

Geall was previously CEO at the fast-growth digital student community organisation, the Student Room Group. Prior to this he held the positions of chief marketing officer and later EMEA managing director at GetThere, a leading provider of internet-based corporate travel procurement and supply services primarily for businesses and travel suppliers.

UK holiday specialist Bourne Leisure has appointed Kelly Hunt to the newly created role of sales executive. 

With a remit to support the Travel Trade in the south of England, Hunt will be involved in regional store visits and the hosting of managers meetings, as well as the implementation of interactive training sessions designed to increase awareness of Bourne Leisure’s three brands: Butlin’s, Haven and Warner Leisure Hotels.

With more than 12 years’ experience in store, Hunt held the position of branch manager at The Co-Operative Travel, Central England, for six years. Prior to that she began her career as a travel consultant and quickly climbed the ranks to become assistant manager across The Co-Operative Travel stores in Kent.

Chris Mottershead has been named as the new commercial director of Thomas Cook UK & Ireland. 

Chris will assume his new position on 27 July.

Following his arrival in the UK business in April, Chris has worked closely with product and yield director Stefanie Berk – who was named as managing director of Thomas Cook’s Central & Eastern Division in June – allowing for a seamless transition into his new role.

Reporting to Salman Syed, managing director, Thomas Cook UK & Ireland, Chris will take responsibility for the Product, Commercial and Yield teams, each of which has end-to-end commercial ownership of Thomas Cook products and whose output frequently impacts on the wider business.

Prior to joining Thomas Cook, Chris led the TUI Russia & CIS operation in Russia from 2010-2014.  He has held a variety of senior roles in the travel industry, including CEO of First Choice Canada (2009), CEO and Founder of Travelzest, which was successfully floated on the London Stock Exchange in 2005, managing director of TUI UK and president & CEO North American Leisure Group at Airtours PLC (My Travel PLC).