Ailsa Pollard to leave Gold Medal parent dnata after more than a decade
James ChappleAilsa Pollard, chief executive of Gold Medal parent dnata Travel Group’s UK and Europe business, is poised to leave the group after more than a decade.
Pollard, who was appointed to her current role in August 2021, has resigned her position and will leave dnata and the wider Emirates Group after 14 years in February next year.
Her predecessor John Bevan, chief executive of dnata Travel Group’s global operation, "will be on-hand" to support the UK and Europe markets led by Pollard during a transitional period, said dnata in a statement.
Pollard held several senior roles throughout dnata and its parent Emirates, including vice-president – business development and strategy, heading up the team responsible for many of the acquisitions that now form the group’s UK portfolio.
She was also for four years senior vice-president of Emirates Holidays, leading on the brand’s global operations across 36 markets.
Prior to taking on responsibility for dnata’s UK brands, which include trade-only operator Gold Medal, as well as consumer brands Travel Republic, Travelbag, Netflights and Sunmaster, she delivered a full strategic review and transformation of dnata Travel Group’s global brand portfolio during the pandemic.
Her replacement will be announced "in due course", said dnata.
"We can confirm Ailsa Pollard, chief executive – dnata Travel Group, UK and Europe, has resigned from the company," said dnata. "Her replacement will be announced in due course, with Ailsa’s leave date scheduled for February 2024.
"In transition, John Bevan, chief executive of the dnata Travel Group’s global operation, will be on-hand to support these markets to lead our teams.
"A key member of the dnata Travel team for over a decade, Ailsa has been instrumental in the growth and success of the company. From all of us at the dnata Travel Group, we thank Ailsa for her contributions to the company and wish her every success in the future."
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